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Turkey Thawing Hints from the National Turkey
Federation. Turkeys can be thawed using one of three methods, but the
most fool proof is in the refrigerator. The key to this method is to
plan ahead and allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird
weight for thawing in the refrigerator. This method is the safest and
will result in the best finished product. Place the bird in the
original wrapping, on a shallow baking sheet in the refrigerator. The
following chart provides good guidelines for thawing times. |
REFRIGERATOR
Turkey Thawing Time (40 degrees F.)
The bags are so thick, the turkey may not thaw enough in refrigerator.
Check and use cold water method below if this happens.
Turkey Weight days to Allow for Thawing Turkey
|
|
8 to 12 Pounds |
1 to 2
Days |
| 12 to
16 Pounds |
2 to 3
Days |
| 16 to
20 Pounds |
3 to 4
Days |
| 20 to
24 Pounds |
4 to 5
Days |
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If you need to thaw the turkey more quickly, you may thaw the
bird in cold water, in the original wrapping. The cold water must be changed
every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound using this
method. Never Let Turkey Get Warm. |
COLD
Water Turkey Thawing Time
Turkey Weight Hours to Allow for Thawing Turkey.
(Never) leave Turkey unattended for
more than 1 hour.
Never Overnight in Sink.
|
| 8 to
12 Pounds |
4 to 6
Hours |
| 12 to
16 Pounds |
6 to 8
Hours |
| 16 to
20 Pounds |
8 to
10 Hours |
| 20 to
24 Pounds |
10 to
12 Hours |
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