Thanksgiving is just days away and it's time to start (at the very least *thinking* about) thawing your turkey SAFELY... aka DO NOT leave your turkey on the counter to thaw.
The USDA is reminding people if a frozen turkey sits out at room temperature for more than two hours, the outer layer will reach the “Danger Zone,” temperature when foodborne bacteria rapidly multiply.
They recommend one of two USDA-approved methods:
- putting it in the fridge— allow roughly 24 hours for every four to five pounds of turkey. After thawing, a turkey is safe in a refrigerator for one to two days.
- a cold-water bath— allow 30 minutes per pound and submerge the turkey in its original wrapping to avoid cross-contamination. Change the water every half hour until the turkey is thawed. Cook it immediately after thawing.
Also, you should know this, but just in case, do NOT put a frozen Turkey in a deep fryer. EVER. It will explode and start a fire.