Safe farm fresh turkey storage

Hi! We picked up a turkey we ordered from a local farm this morning (Sunday) Fresh! Where do we store it? Do we brine it right away or wait a day or 2? We have never gotten a fresh turkey before! I didn’t think freezing it was best but I could be wrong!

Alida Gurlacz
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Food52-Hotline November 24, 2024
Hi Alida!

So if we want to follow USDA guidelines, raw, un-brined turkey should really not be kept longer than 2 days. Adding a dry brine would buy you an extra day or so. So unfortunately, I don't think your turkey can stay in the fridge until Thursday.

I know this might sound a little crazy, but I would chuck the turkey in the freezer tonight and tuesday, would thaw out using the cold water method: submerging entirely in cold water – 30 minutes per pound, swapping out the water every 30 minutes.

Then I would dry brine and roast on the day! This may seem a bit high maintenance but in terms of food safety, this would be the best bet.

Hope this helps!

- Justin from the Hotline team
 
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