Now that November has arrived, it’s time to start organizing your Thanksgiving menu, which calls for starting the cooking process one month in advance. Don’t worry, we’ve got some useful advice to help make the holidays easier, like the ideal pie crust recipe and the best wines to serve at Thanksgiving. But first, you should know when to order your Thanksgiving turkey so that we can discuss all of that.
Among all the items on our convenient Thanksgiving shopping list, you should begin planning your turkey purchase as soon as possible. Thus, the precise time that you should purchase your Thanksgiving turkey will depend on a few different factors. Here’s a breakdown of when to buy or order your turkey for every situation, so read on before it’s too late! Will you be purchasing a frozen or fresh turkey? How much space will you have to store it? How will you order your turkey—online or from a store?
Next, see our advice on how much turkey to serve each person and Ree Drummonds’ turkey brine recipe. (It makes all the difference!).
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and, of course, a delicious turkey feast. But when it comes to buying your Thanksgiving turkey, the question remains: when is the best time to do so? Worry not, fellow foodies, for this guide will navigate you through the turkey-buying waters with ease.
Frozen Turkeys: A Timeless Option
Frozen turkeys offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to purchase them weeks or even months in advance. They can be stored indefinitely in your freezer, ensuring you have a bird ready whenever the Thanksgiving spirit strikes. However, for optimal quality, it’s best to cook them within a year of purchase.
Fresh Turkeys: A Perishable Delight
Fresh turkeys, on the other hand, demand a more immediate approach. Ideally, purchase your fresh bird no more than two days before Thanksgiving. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor while minimizing the risk of spoilage.
Timing is Key: Thawing Considerations
When buying a frozen turkey, remember to factor in the thawing time. As a general rule of thumb, it takes approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey to thaw safely in the refrigerator. So, for a 16-pound bird, you’ll need to start the thawing process four days in advance.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Turkey Fresh
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your turkey, whether frozen or fresh. Frozen turkeys should remain in their original packaging and stored in the freezer until ready to thaw Once thawed, transfer them to the refrigerator and cook within a day or two
Fresh turkeys should be stored in the refrigerator on a tray or pan to catch any juices that may leak. Avoid placing them directly on other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Turkey Queries Answered
Q: When should I order my Thanksgiving turkey?
A: If ordering online, place your order well in advance to avoid disappointment. Many companies ship frozen turkeys, allowing you to order months ahead and store them in your freezer.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy a turkey before or after Thanksgiving?
A: Prices can fluctuate depending on the store and the time of year. Some stores offer the best deals right before Thanksgiving, while others may have post-holiday discounts. It’s worth comparing prices to find the best value.
Q: What if my Thanksgiving turkey is still frozen?
A: Don’t panic! There are ways to safely thaw a frozen turkey quickly. Submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
To summarize, here’s a handy timeline for buying your Thanksgiving turkey:
- Frozen turkey: Purchase anytime, but ideally a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Allow 4-5 days for thawing in the refrigerator.
- Fresh turkey: Purchase 1-2 days before Thanksgiving. No thawing required.
Remember, proper storage and timely thawing are key to ensuring a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast. So, go forth, choose your turkey wisely, and prepare to gobble ’til you wobble!
When should I order a turkey for Thanksgiving?
It’s always a good idea to order a turkey, especially if you don’t want to stress out while preparing for Thanksgiving. These days, a lot of farms and grocery stores let you reserve or order your fresh turkey in advance and pick it up closer to the holiday. This will enable you to reserve the appropriate size turkey for your family in addition to ensuring that there is a turkey on the table.
There are many online grocery stores that offer mail-order turkeys, so you can avoid the crowded supermarket entirely. Just make sure to verify the delivery schedule to make sure the turkey will arrive in time for your holiday feast!
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. According to Butterball, an unopened fresh turkey can be stored in the refrigerator until the sell-by date but should be cooked within four days.