Thanksgiving Tip: Fresh or Frozen Turkey?

I'm sure you've seen signs in the grocery store urging you to order fresh turkeys now. But is fresh really better than frozen?

Actually, it’s really your preference because the quality of frozen and fresh turkey meat is about equal. Frozen turkeys are less expensive and can be stored in the freezer for at least a month with no loss in meat moisture and tenderness but require time to defrost. Fresh turkeys are more perishable and are therefore more expensive because of how they have to be handled to get them to market safely. Fresh turkeys should also be refrigerated until they’re ready to be prepared for roasting and should be cooked within a day or two of purchase to ensure maximum freshness. One key point: if you ordered a fresh turkey, make sure to pick it up the day BEFORE Thanksgiving at the latest as most grocery stores are closed Thanksgiving Day.

This tip and others are available in the Thanksgiving Planning and Time Guide available in Gotta' Eat, Can't Cook's Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner step-by-step video and picture books you can learn more about by clicking this link. More Thanksgiving tips soon