can a turkey be thawed and refrozen

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When to Refreeze

Cooked or uncooked turkey can safely be refrozen, as long as you refreeze it within three days of thawing. You should only refreeze turkey if its been handled properly at every step along the way. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, that means it needs to have been thawed in the refrigerator and it cant have been left out at room temperature for more than two hours at any time. Turkey that has been thawed on the counter or left out for long periods shouldnt be refrozen. In fact, it shouldnt be eaten at all. Its better to waste food than to risk your health by eating something that may no longer be safe to eat.

Note that the turkey may be slightly drier when do finally defrost and cook it. Each time you heat it up, you lose a little more moisture. It’s going to taste just as good as the first time if you just add some gravy or your preferred condiment.

Freezer-Safe Packaging

It is preferable to portion the turkey into meals-size portions before freezing it, even though you can certainly wrap the entire bird, bones and all. This will make it easier to use. Instead of having to thaw out the whole turkey, youll be able to grab just what you need. This technique will also save a lot of space in your freezer.

Be sure to wrap your turkey thoroughly so it doesnt become freezer-burned prematurely. Package it in a freezer bag or freezer paper to keep it sufficiently protected.

can a turkey be thawed and refrozen

How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey

FAQ

Why can’t you refreeze thawed turkey after?

The U. S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) advises: Once food is thawed in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze it without cooking, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing.

Can you thaw a turkey twice?

It is safe to refreeze a partially thawed turkey, but it is recommended to let the turkey thaw before putting it back in the freezer. It is not good to thaw meat in the microwave, on the kitchen counter, or under cold running water. The bacteria can grow and contaminate food.

Can you freeze turkey twice?

The bottom line. Meat is often frozen to preserve and keep the product safe when it’s not going to be eaten right away. As long as the meat has been stored properly and thawed slowly in the refrigerator, it can be refrozen safely multiple times. If done correctly, refreezing meat does not pose any health risks.

How long can a turkey be thawed out before it goes bad?

Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking. For more information about thawing a turkey, go to Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing.

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