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Thawing a Whole Turkey

The safest way to thaw a whole frozen turkey is either in the refrigerator or in cold water. Never thaw your turkey at room temperature!

Refrigerator Method

This method of thawing a turkey is the safest, as it keeps the meat cold until it is completely defrosted. Health Canada recommends that your refrigerator is set at 4°C (40°F).

  1. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping.
  2. Place turkey on a tray on a bottom shelf in refrigerator.
  3. Allow 5 hours of thawing time per pound (10 hours/kg).

Cold Water Method

  1. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping.
  2. In a large container, cover the turkey completely with cold water.
  3. Change the water at least every hour.
  4. Allow 1 hour of thawing time per pound (2 hours/kg).

Once thawed, keep your turkey refrigerated and cook within 48 hours.

Fresh vs. Frozen

There are absolutely no quality differences between fresh and frozen turkeys.

Frozen turkeys are flash-frozen immediately after they are packaged to 0°F (-17°C) or less, and are kept frozen until they are purchased. Once thawed, the meat of a frozen turkey is virtually as fresh as the day it was packaged.

Fresh turkeys are chilled after packaging, rather than frozen. Because they require special handling and have a shorter shelf-life than frozen turkeys, fresh turkeys are often more expensive than their frozen counterparts.

Fresh turkeys should have a best before date on their packaging. If not, be sure to inquire where you purchased the turkey.

When deciding between a fresh or frozen turkey, choose the product that works best for you. Frozen turkeys can be purchased in advance, allowing consumers to take advantage of special sales and coupons. Fresh turkeys, conversely, do not require additional time for thawing.

Some products are meant to be cooked from frozen; always read your product label carefully.

Thawing Turkey Cuts

Frozen turkey cuts should be thawed in the refrigerator or by using the cold water method, and when thawed, cooked within 48 hours. While turkey cuts may be thawed using a microwave, it should be done with care and the thawed meat must be cooked immediately following thawing.

Refrigerator Method

This method of thawing turkey cuts is the safest, as it keeps the meat cold until it is completely defrosted.

  1. Place tray pack on a tray on a bottom shelf in the refrigerator.
  2. Allow 5 hours of thawing time per pound (10 hours/kg).

Cold Water Method

  1. Keep the turkey cut in its tray pack.
  2. In a container, cover the tray pack completely with cold water.
  3. Change the water at least every hour.
  4. Allow 1 hour of thawing time per pound (2 hours/kg).

Once thawed, keep your turkey refrigerated and cook within 48 hours.