The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start planning the meals. For many families the centerpiece is a roasted turkey. This leads to the key question – can you buy a frozen turkey now to use for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Or is it better to wait until right before the big event?
Here’s a comprehensive guide on whether or not to purchase frozen turkeys well in advance, plus tips for proper storage to keep it optimally fresh:
The Benefits of Buying Early
There are some good reasons to shop for a frozen turkey weeks or months before Thanksgiving or Christmas:
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Ensure Availability – Frozen turkeys sell out as the holidays near. Purchasing early guarantees you’ll get one
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Save Money – Frozen turkey prices are often lowest in October/November. Buying during sales means big savings.
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Use Existing Freezer Space – No need for an extra freezer when you buy early. Stash it among other frozen foods.
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Avoid Crowds – Holiday week grocery shopping can be chaotic. Buying now lets you skip the rush.
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Allow Thaw Time – Thawing a frozen turkey takes days. Early purchasing prevents a time crunch.
How to Select a Premium Bird
If buying a frozen turkey far in advance, be choosy to ensure optimal quality:
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Reputable Brand – Stick with well-known names like Butterball, Shady Brook Farms, Jennie-O.
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Age – Seek out “young” or “hen” turkeys under 16 weeks old for tenderest meat.
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Minimal Processing – Check the label for no antibiotics, hormones, preservatives.
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Proper Packaging – Select turkeys that are vacuum sealed with intact, undamaged wrapping.
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Long Freezer Life – Find turkeys labeled as retaining quality for 12-24 months frozen.
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Right Size – Choose the proper size turkey for your group, generally 1-1.5 lbs per person.
Storing it for Maximum Freshness
Follow these tips to keep your frozen turkey tasting delicious and safe for the holidays:
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Double Bag – Prevent freezer burn by using freezer bags to wrap the turkey.
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Monitor Freezer Temp – Store at 0°F or below. Use a thermometer to check.
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Avoid Thawing/Re-Freezing – Thawing then re-freezing reduces quality.
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Check Expiration Date – Cook or thaw by the use-by date listed on the packaging.
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Manage Freezer Space – Keep air circulating and avoid overstuffing the freezer.
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Shop Closer to Holidays – For peak freshness, buy frozen turkeys no more than 6 months before cooking.
Thawing Safely
When ready to cook your frozen turkey, be sure to thaw it safely:
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Fridge Thawing – Allow 24 hours per 4-5 lbs. Place breast side up on a tray.
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Cold Water Thawing – Submerge wrapped turkey, changing water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per lb.
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Cook Frozen – Roast at 325°F for 15-20 minutes per lb, until 165°F internal temp.
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Avoid Room Temp Thaw – Thaw only in the fridge or cold water to prevent bacteria.
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Contain Drippings – Unwrap and place on a rimmed baking sheet to catch juices.
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Cook Immediately – Cook or re-freeze thawed turkey right away; don’t store thawed.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
The consensus is that buying frozen in advance is fine, as long as you select a high-quality turkey and store it properly. Shooting for no more than 6 months before use helps ensure optimal freshness.
For those who prefer ultra-fresh, buying fresh a day or two before cooking is recommended. But for the convenience of grabbing a turkey early, frozen works well when handled correctly!
Tips for Choosing Fresh vs. Frozen
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Buy fresh 1-2 days before cooking. Pre-order from a grocery store.
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Buy frozen up to 6 months before use. Shop sales between October-November.
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Fresh costs more but provides robust flavor.
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Frozen requires thawing but offers budget prices.
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Both fresh and frozen can taste delicious when roasted properly!
Answering Common Turkey Questions
Can you freeze a fresh turkey?
Yes, you can freeze a fresh turkey yourself at home to store it longer. First, ensure it hasn’t been previously frozen. Prepare the turkey for freezing then wrap tightly. Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.
How long does a frozen turkey last in the freezer?
Properly stored at 0°F or below, an unopened commercially frozen turkey will retain quality for 12-24 months past the pack date. Check the use-by date and don’t exceed it.
Can you buy frozen turkey year-round?
Yes, frozen whole turkeys can be purchased at any time during the year from online retailers or wholesalers specializing in frozen poultry. Supermarkets start stocking them in early November.
What’s the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?
Thaw frozen turkeys by placing them breast side up on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours of fridge thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey. Avoid thawing at room temperature.
When should you buy a fresh turkey?
Fresh turkeys should be purchased from the grocery store just 1-2 days before you plan to roast them. Don’t buy fresh too far in advance or attempt to freeze them yourself.
The Takeaway
With proper planning and storage, buying a frozen turkey now can absolutely be done for upcoming holiday meals. Just be sure to select a high-quality bird and follow guidelines to store it optimally. Either frozen or fresh can make for a delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey!
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Should you buy fresh or frozen turkey this Thanksgiving?
FAQ
Is it too early to buy a frozen turkey?
If you have more than a week before your meal, the USDA says to go ahead and buy frozen. On the other hand, fresh turkeys should be purchased only one or two days before you cook it. So keep that in mind when planning your Thanksgiving timeline.
Can you buy frozen turkeys year round?
Frozen turkeys are processed in much the same way as fresh turkeys, but producers start slaughtering them for storage as early as the beginning of the year. Though they’re available online year-round, they’ll start showing up at most supermarkets in early November, and can be stored in your freezer for up to a year.
Is it too late to buy a turkey?
When to Buy a Fresh Turkey. Whether or not you reserve a turkey from the store, picking up your turkey or actually purchasing a fresh turkey should be something you do within a couple of days of Thanksgiving.
Is a 2 year frozen turkey still good?
Eating a turkey that has been frozen for two years is generally considered safe, as long as it has been kept at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Freezing preserves food and prevents the growth of bacteria.