Fresh vs. Frozen: Which Turkey Should You Buy for Thanksgiving?
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 you're at the store is an entirely other question that's often up for debate. You’ll likely be wondering if there's a difference in how to cook fresh versus frozen turkey or even if there's a difference in taste.
The good news is that there's no wrong answer. According to the National Turkey Federation, "There's 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 you're the type of person who prefers to plan ahead. Either way, the best turkey for you is the one that fits your needs. You'll likely also want to consider how many people you're serving, and therefore how much turkey you'll 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.
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, you'll also want to consider how much room you have in your freezer, and some factors like cost, taste, and time:
Cost
Though 2023 was a good year for buying turkey (prices were down 22 percent compared to 2022), it's typically still more budget-friendly to buy a frozen turkey rather than a fresh one. You can also snag a frozen turkey when they're on sale throughout the year and keep the bird stashed in your freezer as long as you have room.
Taste
Fresh turkey that's 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.
Time
There's 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 won't be able to start this process on Thanksgiving morning. On the other hand, since fresh turkey doesn't need to be thawed, it can go straight from the store into the oven. Just be sure to pre-order your bird so you're not left scrambling at the last minute.
When Should You Buy Your Turkey?
Frozen turkeys can last in the freezer for a long period of time, so they're perfect for those who want to buy in advance. If you have more than a week before your meal, the USDA says to go ahead and buy frozen. On the other hand, fresh turkeys should be purchased only one or two days before you cook it. So keep that in mind when planning your Thanksgiving timeline.
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