Safely Thawing a Turkey

Learn how to safely thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave to avoid food borne illness. Produced by Nutrition and Food Science Extension, The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - agrilifeextensi...

[@benjaminluera4826]

I have been using my igloo cooler full of cold water to thaw the turkey the day before we cook it and always rinse out the bird prior to handing it off to my wife to cook. I leave the wrapper on the bird to prevent any cross contamination and always make sure the coolers are cleaned and sanitized with antibacterial dawn then rinsed with clean water. Wear gloves plastic gloves when handling and cleaning the turkey. Bad turkeys are usually a result of all the handling which brings in cross contamination.

[@ogadlogadl490]

Thank you for the important and informative video!

[@sb.yourstruly]

Is it safe for the turkey to be sitting in its “gross” juices as it’s thawing for 5-6 days in the fridge? It’s my first time cooking and now that my turkey is thawed, I noticed it’s been sitting in gross looking blood water for those 5-6 days… though still in its bag, is this safe to still cook?? If so, what do I do with the juices? Isn’t it highly bacterial to drain it down the sink? Please advise! I’m not sure if I need to throw this away asap

[@cutenobi]

Good question. I’m guessing that when it’s cooking, the heat will kill the bacteria. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.

[@Kristopher1999]

Its sprayed with salt water when they freeze the turkey. Up to 10% of the frozen weight will be salt water. The fluid is mostly salt water with a little bit of blood. I've read that 6 days is the safe limit for a frozen turkey to thaw. But that is just being very very safe. Realistically it will be safe for weeks if its stable, sealed and in the 40 degree fridge. People get into trouble when they unwrap it.. let it sit out, touch it.. run water on it, touch it, put it in the fridge.. and then its there exposed in the fridge. For multiple days as the fridge is opened and closed.. the temp keeps changing and the exposed turkey has had the salt water washed off and bacteria introduced from being handled.. The main thing is.. thaw it, rinse it then cook immediately and you'll be fine 999,999 times out of a 1,000,000.

[@sassibrit]

How long before you start feeling turkey soft outside?

[@patyestrada6722]

I bought my 14 lb turnkey 6 days ago and it’s been in the fridge is that safe

[@NoBody-kv3yd]

I bought my 18 lb turkey 4 days ago and it wasn't fully thawed so I'm stressing too lol

[@bluejayrover]

Did she start by saying “howdy” ? Hilarious

[@clar331]

🤣yes

[@PA_hunter]

It’s a Texas A&M thing

[@Kristopher1999]

"Juices" aka blood. That's why you put it in a tray.

[@garymb77]

Who would ever thaw their Turkey in the tub where people wash their bodies? 🤢 Never heard of this one

[@teresabragg4501]

Are I a dish washer eithier