Is my frozen turkey still good?

I had bought a frozen turkey breast last November. I had planned to use it for Christmas, 2022. However, I broke my ankle just days before Christmas last year, which obviously changed my plans. It's been in my freezer since I bought it. Can I use for Thanksgiving? I think I can. I've heard that things can stay in the freezer for a year.but I'm bumping up against that year. I'd hate to see it go to waste.

RogersParkCook
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5 Comments

RogersParkCook November 18, 2023
Thanks for your advice, everyone! Much appraised.
 
Lori T. November 10, 2023
The only thing you need to watch for is freezer burn. It won't mean you can't eat the turkey, but it will mean you have extra dry spots of meat. You can eat it just fine, it just might not taste great. However it won't affect the entire bird. To help, thaw the bird slowly in the fridge- do not do the soak in cold water faster method, and for heaven's sake don't do it at room temp. Next, I highly suggest you liquid brine the turkey overnight. This will both season and rehydrate any drier than optimum spots. Use a well herbed chicken broth to make up about half of the water portion of the brine as well, which will help season and re-flavor any portions which might have been burned as well. This will give you the best shot at a successful turkey roast.
 
Nicole D. November 10, 2023
Hi Roger! The US Dept of Health agrees with Nancy -- whole chickens and turkeys can be frozen up to a year: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts
 
Nancy November 10, 2023
Roger - I looked at Stilltasty.com (a reliable source on safe keeping of foods) and yes a frozen raw whole turkey is best frozen up to a year.
Happy thanksgiving!
PS if you want more details or to check yourself, have a look at the site.
 
Nancy November 12, 2023
The site I recommended (and had used for years) has similar US Health and Agriculture Departments, and CDC sources.
However when I went there today to check another food, I got a warning about it being an unsafe site.
Please be careful and use other sources.
 
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