With Thanksgiving just around the corner, food safety experts are reminding everyone not to underestimate the time it takes to properly thaw a turkey. Larger birds can take nearly a week to thaw using safe, approved methods—and with the holiday coming up next week, now is the time to plan ahead.
The USDA recommends three safe ways to thaw your Thanksgiving turkey:
1. Refrigerator Thawing
Place the turkey, still in its original wrapper, in the refrigerator—set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. A good rule of thumb: allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. That means an average-sized bird will need several days to thaw completely. Once it’s thawed, the turkey can safely remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking.
2. Cold Water Thawing
If the turkey is still frozen and time is running short, you can submerge the wrapped bird in cold water. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it safe. This method is faster but still takes about 30 minutes per pound. Turkeys thawed this way must be cooked immediately.
3. Microwave Thawing
For smaller turkeys, the microwave is an option. Check your microwave’s owner’s manual for the correct settings and timing. As with cold water thawing, a turkey thawed in the microwave should be cooked right away.
Taking the time to thaw your turkey properly is one of the easiest ways to ensure a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal.
https://cfaes.osu.edu/features/three-ways-safely-thaw-turkey?