3 Safe Ways to Thaw a Frozen Turkey

Stay healthy this festive season by learning the dos and don’ts of frozen turkey preparation.

Learn to safely thaw and prepare a frozen turkey to prevent food poisoning.

Foodborne pathogens, which cause food poisoning, cause 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths nationwide each year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

There are three safe ways to thaw a frozen turkey:

1. Under refrigeration: Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. That means most turkeys will need more than a day to thaw in the refrigerator. After the turkey is fully thawed, keep it refrigerated for up to two days before cooking.

2. Cold water thawing: This method is fast, but it takes more effort. Submerge a turkey in its original wrapping in cold water, changing out the water every 30 minutes. It will take 30 minutes of submersion per pound for the turkey to fully thaw. When using this method, the turkey must be cooked at once after thawing.

3. Microwave thawing: If your turkey is small enough to fit in the microwave, it can be defrosted using the manufacturer’s recommendations. This method also requires the turkey to be cooked at once after thawing.

Pro tip: Poultry should never be cooked at an oven temperature lower than 325°F and should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature before serving. Be sure to clean and sanitize all surfaces that came into contact with the raw turkey and its juices.

For more info, check out the USDA’s thawing and cooking calculators here to see how long to thaw and cook your turkey: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide#Thawing_Calculator

Are you searching for recipes to fit your specific dietary needs? Do you have any nutrition goals to achieve? Consider making a Nutrition Counseling appointment at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. Ask your doctor to complete the Diabetes Nutrition & Education Prescription. If you have questions, call the Lifestyle Health & Fitness Center at 757-312-6132.