How long after a turkey is thawed should it be cooked?

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“Once a frozen turkey is thawed, it should be cooked within two days,” Hanes said. She said some people prefer a fresh turkey, so they should plan on waiting to pick it up from the store until one or two days before they plan to cook it.

Can you cook a thawed refrigerated turkey 4 days later?

Cooked turkey that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; turkey that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately.

Why do you have to cook a turkey immediately after thawing?

Turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer, but you want to cook it within a year for best quality. 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.

Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?

No, it isn’t convenient. But it’s reality. The issue with keeping a fresh, raw turkey in your refrigerator for more than a couple of days isn’t the pathogens that cause food poisoning, says Ben Chapman, the N.C. State University food-safety extension specialist. The problem is spoiled meat.

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Why does my turkey smell like rotten eggs?

“The skin or surface of spoiled turkey meat is usually slimy, and the meat itself smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. These characteristics are due to microbial spoilage.” Spoilage might be expected if a turkey has been left in the refrigerator for a week or longer or left to thaw in the garage for a few hours. Dr.

How long can a fresh killed turkey stay in the fridge?

A freshly killed bird is fresh and delicious for up to 10 days from processing if kept very cold.

How long does it take to thaw a 12lb turkey?

When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours of defrosting time for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So, if the turkey weighs 4 to 12 pounds, plan for it to defrost in the fridge for one to three days.

How long does it take to thaw a 13 pound turkey?

Thaw time in the fridge requires about 24 hours for every 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at about 40 degrees F (5 degrees C). Thaw time in cold water requires about 30 minutes per pound in cold water, refreshed every 30 minutes.

What if my turkey isn’t fully thawed?

If There’s No Time to Thaw

If you’re up against the clock and have no time left for even the “quick” cold-water thaw, then just cook the turkey as it is. It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time.

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Which is better a frozen or fresh turkey?

Fresh turkeys will hold their moisture better than frozen turkeys, bringing out a meaty texture with deeper natural flavors. … Frozen turkeys are best when flash-frozen packaged immediately to 0°F. The most important factor in deciphering between a fresh or frozen turkey is the quality of the meat before it is frozen.

What is the shelf life of a fresh turkey?

Fresh whole turkey, parts and giblets may be stored in the refrigerator one to two days before cooking. After cooking, refrigerate turkey meat and cooked dishes containing turkey up to four days or freeze it for longer storage. Use a frozen raw turkey within one year for best quality.

How far in advance can I buy a fresh turkey?

How far in advance can I buy a fresh turkey? If you want to buy a fresh turkey, wait until the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Some grocery stores will let you reserve a fresh turkey.