It’s Thanksgiving! Today may be the day to start thawing your turkey if you’re hosting a large dinner. For a small turkey you can hold off until Monday.
Here’s when you should move your bird to your refrigerator to thaw in time for Thanksgiving:
20-24 lbs – Friday before Thanksgiving
16-20 lbs – Saturday before Thanksgiving
12-16 lbs – Sunday before Thanksgiving
4-12 lbs – Monday before Thanksgiving
Safety tips:
- Keep your turkey in your freezer until you are ready to thaw
- The safest way to thaw your turkey is in the refrigerator because it is temperature controlled. 40-140 degrees is the danger zone. Keeping your meat for longer than 2 hours in the danger zone increases the chances of it growing bacteria that can make you sick.
- When thawing your bird in the refrigerator remember to put it into a tray to catch the juices so it doesn’t leak all over your refrigerator.
- If you need your turkey to thaw faster you can thaw it in cold water, but be sure to leave the turkey wrapped in it’s plastic or put it into a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes of thaw time for every one pound.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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