Turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature during “the big thaw.” While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. However, as soon as it begins to thaw, any bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again. A package of frozen meat or poultry left thawing on the counter more than 2 hours is not at a safe temperature. Even though the center of the package may still be frozen, the outer layer of the food is in the “Danger Zone” between 40°F and 140 °F at a temperature where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly.
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave oven.
Safe Methods for Thawing:
Immediately after grocery store checkout, take the frozen turkey home and store it in the freezer. Frozen turkeys should not be left on the back porch, in the car trunk, in the basement, or any place else where temperatures cannot be constantly monitored.
Refrigerator Thawing
When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator:
• Plan ahead: Allow approximately 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at 40 °F or below.
• Place the turkey in a container to prevent the juices from dripping on other foods.
Refrigerator Thawing Times Whole turkey:
- 4 to 12 pounds…………………………..1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds…………………………3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds…………………………4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds…………………………5 to 6 days
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for one or two days before cooking. Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking but there may be some loss of quality.
Cold-Water Thawing
Allow about 30 minutes per pound. First be sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the turkey from absorbing water, resulting in a watery product. Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.
Cold Water Thawing Times:
- 4 to 12 pounds………………………….2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds………………………..6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds………………………..8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds………………………10 to 12 hours
A turkey thawed by the cold-water method should be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat from the turkey can be refrozen.
For more information call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline, 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or visit: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/shared/PDF/Turkey_Basics_Safe_Thawing.pdf
For more information, visit University of Idaho Blaine County Extension Office, 302 S. 1st Ave., Hailey, extension.uidaho.edu/blaine or call (208) 788-5585.
