A website from UGA Cooperative Extension

Have you started thawing your holiday turkey yet? If you are thawing your turkey using the refrigerator, hopefully you have already started. Thawing a turkey in the refrigerator can take several days depending on the size of the turkey. According to USDA guidelines, you should allow 24 hours of thawing time per every 5 pounds of meat at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you forgot to set your turkey out ahead of time, don’t panic. You can also thaw a turkey using the cold-water method or using the microwave.

When using the cold-water method, you can submerge the turkey in cold water for 30 minutes per pound. When thawing a turkey in cold water leave the turkey inside its airtight packaging or in a leak proof bag. Change the water every 30 minutes to make sure it stays cold. You will need to cook the turkey immediately after thawing. 

When thawing a turkey in the microwave, you must follow the microwave manufacturer’s instructions as times may vary based on the size of your microwave. Plan to cook your turkey immediately after thawing because some areas of the turkey may begin to cook during the microwave thawing. It is not recommended to store food that has been partially cooked.

Check out this UGA FACS handout on handling turkeys with all kinds of tips on proper thawing, cooking temperatures, and safe cooking instructions.

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