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Question re: fresh turkey

11 years ago

I'm afraid I've messed up and I need some advice. I've always used frozen turkeys and this year I could not find the size I needed (about 14.5 lbs), so today I bought a fresh turkey. I asked the meat department fellow at our grocery store if it will keep until Thanksgiving in my refigerator and he said yes. The tag says sell by 11/25. But, I've been reading on the web that you shouldn't buy a fresh turkey more than 2 days out! Is that correct? If so, what should I do now? Can I, or should I freeze it? Help please...

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Comments (8)

lindac
11 years ago
They can label a turkey as "fresh" if it has not been frozen at temperature below a specified number. The turkey is still hard with ice crystals inside it but it is held at a temp fo, I seem to remember, of 28 to 32, and can be held at that temperature for a specified length of time.
I have found that those birds are not nearly as good as a true frozen turkey. One that has been flash frozen and held at zero degrees. those held at a warmer seem to bleed, lose moisture more and are, in my opinion, dryer.
What you want is a "fresh killed" turkey....which only keeps 2 or 3 days before being cooked.
Olychick
11 years ago
I would probably freeze it now and thaw just before Thanksgiving.
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I still think you should check with the grower. I believe if you cook a heritage bird to 165 degrees like you would say a Butterball - you will find the meat very dry. Bar 5 is one vendor at the Mpls. Farmer's Market that sells free range poultry. Their advice is to cook a heritage bird at 425F-450F and cook until an internal thigh temperature of 140F-150F is reached. And while the USDA recommends turkeys be cooked to 160F-180F, that temperature will dry out a heritage turkey. Heritage birds are much more free of disease and bacteria, unlike commercially raised birds, and do not need extreme temperatures to make them safe for consumption. Once you remove the bird from the oven the temp will rise even further. I would still ask the grower what they suggest. I'm sure you paid a premium for your bird and want it to turn out perfect!
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In past years, in the week following Thanksgiving, I've seen fresh turkey parts (half-breasts in particular) that are not usually available; there are plenty of wings, legs, and thighs, too. They have very short "sell-by" dates, so I'm pretty sure they are from leftover birds. If I have room in the freezer, I take advantage of the surplus. Since parts are priced differently from whole birds, I can't tell whether they're marked down (I don't buy them often enough to keep tabs on the regular prices). Sue
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cynic
11 years ago
As said, the term "fresh" is very misleading. You've bought it now so no sense getting worked up over coulda/woulda/shoulda. Just take a good reliable thermometer and check your frig temperature. Most people keep their refrigerators way warmer than they should. You might need to bump it down a few degrees. Keep it in the back and don't allow "browsers" to stand with the door open for 15 minutes deciding on a snack. Cook it up and enjoy it. Not a big deal. Hope you got a good price on it.
kimkitchy
Original Author
11 years ago
LindaC - OK. So, I did screw up. Wish I had not bought it. I understand what you are saying, but what should I do with the thing now?
Olychick
11 years ago
If you're worried about it, why not freeze it now and thaw closer to Thanksgiving?

Oops, I already said that.
Teresa_MN
11 years ago
Did this turkey feel thawed when you bought it? If so - take it back. I don't care what the "sell by" date says. Your turkey will not be good when you put it in the oven 9 days from now.
kimkitchy
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you all for your responses. I just called my store and I am returning this "fresh" turkey. This forum is such a great resource. Thanks again for sharing your expertise!
dixiedog_2007
11 years ago
I agree with what Linda said. You didn't screw up. You just didn't know.

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