It’s a common question that pops up around the holidays – does a frozen turkey weigh more than a thawed turkey? Many people notice that frozen turkeys at the store seem heavier than fresh ones, leading them to believe that freezing adds weight. However, the answer is actually more complex than it seems on the surface.
While a frozen turkey contains ice that adds some mass, the amount is negligible – we’re talking just 1-2% heavier at most. The turkey’s overall weight doesn’t technically change when frozen. So what’s going on? Let’s break it down.
Why Does a Frozen Turkey Seem Heavier?
When a turkey is frozen, the water inside turns to ice This ice takes up more volume than the liquid water did As the ice crystals form and expand inside the turkey, it will feel harder and more solid. This added rigidity from freezing can create the illusion that the turkey itself is heavier.
Additionally, frozen turkeys are often wrapped and packed in plastic securings that add some extra weight on the scale. Between the ice and packaging, your frozen bird can seem significantly heavier at the store compared to a fresh turkey. But once thawed, that extra weight melts away.
The Science Behind Frozen Turkey Weight
Here’s a look at what’s happening on a molecular level when a turkey is frozen
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The temperature drops below freezing, causing the water inside the turkey to transition from a liquid state to a solid state as ice.
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The water molecules bond and form ice crystals that take up more volume than liquid water. This expands the overall size and rigidity of the turkey.
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While the mass of the turkey remains nearly the same, the extra volume from ice makes it feel heavier when picked up.
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A very small amount of extra weight (1-2%) can come from the ice itself, but the turkey hasn’t fundamentally gained mass in the freezing process.
So while ice contributes some weight, it’s not actually making the turkey heavier in a strict scientific sense. The extra mass is negligible compared to the whole.
Measuring Frozen vs. Thawed Turkey Weight
To demonstrate that frozen and thawed turkeys weigh nearly the same, conduct this simple experiment:
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Take a fresh, unfrozen turkey and weigh it on a food scale. Record this number.
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Freeze the turkey completely solid. Once frozen, weigh it again on the food scale.
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Defrost the turkey in the refrigerator until no ice crystals remain. Weigh the thawed turkey.
You’ll find the weights of the fresh and thawed turkeys are extremely close, within a few ounces of each other. Meanwhile, the frozen weight may be slightly more thanks to ice. But once thawed, the numbers normalize again.
This goes to show that the fundamental weight of the turkey remains stable throughout freezing and thawing. Any perceived differences are due to water changing states, not extra mass appearing.
How Much Ice Is in a Frozen Turkey?
A 15-pound frozen turkey may contain up to a half pound of ice, based on the 1-2% estimate. But it’s difficult to precisely quantify the amount of ice within. Factors like the turkey’s size, shape, temperature of the freezer, and duration of freezing affect ice content.
Suffice to say a frozen bird contains some ice, but not nearly enough extra matter to make it significantly heavier than before freezing. Certainly not the 5-10 pound differences some assume while hoisting birds at the market.
Thawing Leads to Moisture Loss
Here’s one caveat – a thawed turkey will likely weigh a bit less than before freezing. This isn’t due to ice melting, but moisture loss. As ice crystals form, cell structures in the turkey can be damaged, causing the meat to leak juices during thawing. The drippings in your sink contain water weight that can result in a slightly “lighter” thawed turkey.
Accounting for Weight Changes in Cooking
When calculating cook times, you can largely ignore freezing’s impact on turkey weight. However, do account for moisture loss after thawing when planning your meal. A good rule of thumb is to add 15 minutes per pound to the cook time of a thawed turkey to allow for the drier meat.
It may seem like that frozen bird is substantially beefier when you go to buy it. But rest assured, the numbers on the scale don’t lie – a turkey’s weight before and after freezing remains remarkably similar. So pick up your frozen fowl with confidence this holiday season knowing it’s not much heavier than the fresh ones after all!
How to Thaw a Turkey
There’s more than one way to thaw a turkey. So no matter if you’ve got days, or you’re scrambling day-of, there’s a way to get it done—while still following food safety practices.
Size of Turkey to Buy
Wondering how much turkey to buy for your guests? The best rule of thumb is to plan for one pound of turkey per person—and we’re talking the whole, uncooked turkey. So, for 12 people, a 12-pound bird. That’ll give you plenty for the table as well as some leftovers, which are especially nice on Thanksgiving. Turkeys can range in size anywhere from 8 to 24 pounds.
- Fresh Turkey: A turkey that’s never been stored at a temp below 26F is considered fresh, so a fresh turkey will never have been frozen and thawed. These types of birds have become more popular in recent years. Often you’ll need to order a fresh bird in advance, which is actually a good thing. Since it’s best to refrigerate your uncooked turkey for two days or less, it’s nice to be able to order it ahead, so your turkey is guaranteed to be ready, and then pick it up last minute. You can expect a fresh turkey to cost more than frozen, because of the handling required and perishability of the bird.
- Frozen Turkey: A turkey that’s been flash-frozen—rapidly chilled to temperature of 0F—after harvest is sold as frozen. Flash freezing helps keep the turkey nearly as fresh as it was the day it was frozen, so there’s nothing wrong with buying a frozen turkey. It’s what most people do and, cooked right, it will turn out delicious. The only catch is you need to buy your frozen turkey far enough in advance to thaw it—more details about how to thaw a turkey. Thawing also takes up space in your refrigerator, so factor that into your plans—the week before Thanksgiving is a good time to clean out the fridge.
Which Type of Turkey is Right for You? There are many types of turkeys to choose from, and the kind you should select depends on the occasion and your personal preferences.
- Free-range: If a turkey is free-range, it means the bird has been given access to the outdoors. Free-range turkeys are generally moist and have a robust turkey flavor but can be a bit more expensive than other options.
- Organic and Natural: When a turkey is labeled as organic, it means it’s free of hormones and antibiotics. Organic turkeys may be slightly more expensive, but they often have a delicious, substantial flavor. If a turkey is labeled as natural, it means it is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients and can only be “minimally processed.” Again, these turkeys might be slightly more expensive, but are, in general, more flavorful.
- Kosher: For a turkey to be labeled as kosher, it needs to be processed in accordance with Jewish dietary law under rabbinical supervision. Kosher turkeys are soaked and salted, then triple rinsed. For this reason, they typically don’t require additional brining.
- Heritage: Wondering what a heritage turkey is? If a turkey is labeled as heritage, it means it comes from some of the first domesticated turkeys farmed by English settlers. There are two main heritage breeds: American Bronze and Bourbon Red, which both have a bit more dark meat than other types of turkeys. Heritage turkeys are some of the best birds to slow-cook because of their moist, toothsome texture. They are substantially more expensive than other turkeys.
Because of the difference in fat content [between conventional and heritage birds], it’s even more important not to overcook heritage breeds. Additionally, their bones are denser, so they can be considerably more difficult to carve. It’s still doable—just take your time and be patient.
Because of the difference in fat content [between conventional and heritage birds], it’s even more important not to overcook heritage breeds. Additionally, their bones are denser, so they can be considerably more difficult to carve. It’s still doable—just take your time and be patient.
- Self-Basting: A self-basting turkey is generally less expensive than organic or natural turkeys. It has been filled with ingredients like salt, butter, or chicken fat to make it more flavorful and moist—hence, there’s no need to baste it. In general, these turkeys produce juicier meat than other varieties.
- Conventional: Conventional turkeys will be less expensive than organic turkeys, but may have added hormones or antibiotics, depending on where they come from.
If you like, talk to your butcher about what types of turkey he recommends for the cooking method and meal you’re planning.
Does a frozen turkey weigh more?
FAQ
Does frozen weigh more than defrosted?
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When to take 12 lb turkey out of the freezer?
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