Deciding what the main course on your Thanksgiving dinner menu will be is easy—most people make a big, roast turkey. But choosing between a fresh or frozen turkey when youre at the store is an entirely other question thats often up for debate. You’ll likely be wondering if theres a difference in how to cook fresh versus frozen turkey or even if theres a difference in taste.
The good news is that theres no wrong answer. According to the National Turkey Federation, “Theres really no difference in the quality of frozen or fresh turkeys.” Frozen turkeys are simply colder (between zero degrees to -30 degrees F) compared to fresh turkeys, which are actually considered “deep chilled” (or kept at 26 degrees). Which is better all depends on availability, cost, how much time you have—and, of course, your personal preferences. Maybe you have a Thanksgiving tradition of buying a fresh turkey right before the holiday or perhaps youre the type of person who prefers to plan ahead. Either way, the best turkey for you is the one that fits your needs. Youll likely also want to consider how many people youre serving, and therefore how much turkey youll need per guest.
Read on to find out more about fresh vs. frozen turkey, then check out our recipes for spatchcock turkey, citrus-brined turkey, and maple-rosemary turkey for your holiday menu.
As the holidays approach many of us start thinking about roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. While frozen turkeys are convenient some cooks prefer to prepare a fresh, unfrozen turkey. Unfrozen birds tend to have better texture and retain more natural juices when cooked. However, finding an unfrozen turkey may take some extra effort and planning. This article provides tips on where you can locate sources of fresh, never frozen turkeys for your holiday feast.
Why Choose an Unfrozen Turkey?
There are several benefits to cooking a turkey that has not previously been frozen and stored for an extended time Here are some of the main advantages of preparing an unfrozen bird
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More flavorful meat – Fresh turkeys retain more of their natural juices and flavors compared to frozen turkeys The meat tends to be more moist, tender and flavorful overall.
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Better texture – Frozen turkeys often suffer some damage to the muscle fibers and cell structure during the freezing process. This can make the meat dry and stringy when cooked. An unfrozen turkey has intact muscle structure leading to better texture.
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Easier to handle – Without the freezing and thawing, there is less risk of the turkey being misshapen or difficult to work with. A fresh turkey fits better into the roasting pan.
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Fresher appearance – Since fresh turkeys were never frozen solid, they look plump, appealing and appetizing when cooked. The skin has a nicer appearance and browning.
So while fresh turkeys require a bit quicker cooking time, most cooks find the improvement in overall quality and taste makes the extra effort worthwhile.
Where to Buy Fresh Unfrozen Turkeys
It will likely take some extra planning and checking multiple sources to locate a fresh unfrozen turkey. Here are some of your best options to find one:
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Local farms and butchers – Contact turkey farms and butchers in your area to ask if they will have fresh turkeys available in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. You may want to call early to reserve one.
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Farmers markets – Many local farmers and vendors at markets sell fresh turkeys raised on regional farms. Check 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving.
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Specialty grocery stores – Smaller independent grocers and health food stores often sell farm-fresh turkeys around the holidays. Seek out organic and free-range options.
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Online mail order – Online stores like FreshDirect and meat wholesalers allow you to order a fresh turkey packed in ice and shipped overnight. Order about 1 week in advance.
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Direct from turkey farms – Google for local turkey farms near you and call them directly about fresh bird availability and ordering. Ask when they expect unfrozen inventory to arrive.
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Friends or family near farms – Ask any friends or family who live closer to turkey farm areas to check on availability and possibly transport a fresh turkey to you.
Tips for Buying and Cooking Fresh Turkeys
When you do source a fresh unfrozen turkey, keep these important tips in mind:
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Fresh turkeys only last 1-2 days max in the fridge, so plan to cook very soon after purchasing.
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Allow around 1-2 pounds of turkey per person when estimating the size needed. Smaller birds around 12-15 lbs work well.
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Inspect the turkey thoroughly when buying and avoid any with tears, leaks or foul odors.
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Prepare and roast the turkey within 24-48 hours of bringing it home for maximum freshness.
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Fresh turkeys cook faster than frozen, so reduce oven roasting time by 30-45 minutes and monitor temperature.
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Let the cooked turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving so juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Where to Find Fresh Turkeys
Here are some specific places where you may be able to find and purchase a fresh unfrozen turkey:
Local Farms and Butchers
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Check local listings for turkey farms that sell direct to consumers and ask if they have fresh birds available.
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Visit trusted local butchers and ask when they expect to have unfrozen turkeys shipped in.
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Ask any CSA farms you buy from if they offer holiday turkeys or can source one.
Specialty Grocery Stores
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Whole Foods – Call ahead to request they reserve a fresh organic turkey for you.
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Regional chains like Wegmans, Publix, HEB, Harris Teeter often get fresh turkeys.
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Natural food co-ops may work with local farms to offer fresh turkeys.
Online and Delivery
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FreshDirect – Order a fresh turkey packed in ice to be delivered 1-2 days before Thanksgiving.
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Porter Road – Ships fresh pasture-raised turkeys packed with dry ice nationwide.
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Rastelli’s – Ships fresh turkeys overnight.
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ButcherBox – Work with a butcher concierge to source and ship a fresh turkey.
Direct from Farms
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Check listings on LocalHarvest.org for turkey farms selling direct to consumer.
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The National Turkey Federation lists regional producers, many who sell fresh birds.
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Ask friends or family nearby turkey farms if they can pick up a fresh turkey for you.
Don’t Wait – Start Your Search Now!
While it may take a bit more effort to track down a fresh unfrozen turkey, the superior flavor and texture are worth it for many cooks. Take time now to start contacting local farms, butchers, specialty markets and online providers to improve your chances of finding one. With some persistence and planning, you can serve your guests a memorable Thanksgiving dinner starring a delicious fresh turkey. Get started on your search today!
Is a Fresh or Frozen Turkey Better?
That depends on who you ask. Technically speaking, the quality of both a fresh and frozen turkey is the same, though fresh turkeys are often organic and free-range. When deciding which to buy, youll also want to consider how much room you have in your freezer, and some factors like cost, taste, and time:
Though 2023 was a good year for buying turkey (prices were down 22 percent compared to 2022), its typically still more budget-friendly to buy a frozen turkey rather than a fresh one. You can also snag a frozen turkey when theyre on sale throughout the year and keep the bird stashed in your freezer as long as you have room.
Fresh turkey thats raised on an organic diet tends to have the most flavor. Some people describe the taste as gamey yet juicy since no moisture is lost from thawing. That said, frozen turkey can still be delicious! Some companies will inject the turkey with a brining liquid (known as self-basting) before freezing it to ensure you get the best tasting bird.
Theres no question that a frozen turkey requires a bit of planning. According to the USDA, defrosting a turkey in the fridge takes at least 24 hours for every four to five pounds, so you wont be able to start this process on Thanksgiving morning. On the other hand, since fresh turkey doesnt need to be thawed, it can go straight from the store into the oven. Just be sure to pre-order your bird so youre not left scrambling at the last minute.
Should you buy fresh or frozen turkey this Thanksgiving?
FAQ
Can I buy a turkey that isn’t frozen?
Many stores will have fresh turkeys– no defrosting needed. Often, they’re pricier, but also higher quality.
Do grocery stores sell unfrozen turkeys?
thawed Turkeys were more expensive. Majority of grocery stores do, but I’d call ahead a time to make sure they have the hem in stock. Publix (and probably all other grocery stores) sells fresh, but I usually order way ahead of time.
Are turkeys only sold frozen?
These days, turkeys come fresh, frozen and somewhere in between. That “in between” category is courtesy of a recent USDA ruling on labeling. Fresh turkeys have to be stored at 26 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Frozen turkeys have to be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Where can I buy a non frozen turkey?
With some advance planning, you can seek out and buy a non frozen turkey from specialty food stores, farms, online mail order companies and more. Just be sure to store your fresh bird properly and cook it within a day or two for food safety.
Can you freeze a fresh turkey?
Fresh turkeys are pre-brined. If you can’t cook the turkey within 2 days, you can freeze it. This stops bacteria growth. When freezing, remove giblets and wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to one year. Follow these tips and your fresh turkey will stay nice and fresh until you are ready to cook and serve it.
Should you buy a frozen turkey?
Nothing beats the taste of farm-to-table turkey. When you buy a frozen turkey you can avoid the last-minute run to the grocery store when you’re preparing to host friends and family. Freezing preserves a turkey’s freshness and delays spoilage. However, before stuffing your frozen turkey and cooking it, you have to prepare and thaw it.
Are frozen turkeys better than fresh?
Faster cooking time: Since the turkey isn’t frozen solid, it will cook more quickly and evenly in the oven. Higher quality: Most fresh turkeys are higher grade, all-natural and minimally processed birds without preservatives or injections. Of course, fresh turkeys are more expensive and have a very limited shelf life compared to frozen options.
Where can I buy a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving?
When cooked properly, a fresh turkey truly is the best-tasting, highest quality option for Thanksgiving dinner. With some advance planning, you can seek out and buy a non frozen turkey from specialty food stores, farms, online mail order companies and more.
Where can I buy fresh turkey ice?
Several nationwide companies like Harry & David, Williams-Sonoma and Goldbelly will ship fresh turkeys packed with ice directly to your door. Order 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Check local butcher shops, premium grocers like Whole Foods, or chains like Fresh Market which often stock fresh turkeys. Call ahead to preorder.