Refrigerator thawing times
(For a whole turkey)
- 4 to 12 pounds: One to three days
- 12 to 16 pounds: Three to four days
- 16 to 20 pounds: Four to five days
- 20 to 24 pounds: Five to six days
Cold water thawing times
- 4 to 12 pounds: Two to six hours
- 12 to 16 pounds: Six to eight hours
- 16 to 20 pounds: Eight to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 10 to 12 hours
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 two 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 where temperatures cannot be constantly monitored.
Refrigerator thawing
When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, plan ahead and allow approximately 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at 40 F or below. Remember to place the turkey in a container to prevent the juices from dripping on other foods.
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.
After cooking, meat from the turkey can be refrozen.
Microwave thawing
Follow the microwave oven manufacturer's instructions when defrosting a turkey. Plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving.
Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed. A turkey thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately.
Source: USDA Food Safety Inspection Service
Debbie Wilburn is county extension agent in family and consumer science with the Hall County Extension. Contact: 770-535-8290.