Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking about getting your hands on the centerpiece of the big feast – the turkey! As you start planning your Thanksgiving menu one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a fresh or frozen turkey. If opting for fresh, a common question is how early you can (and should) buy one.
When to Buy a Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey
Fresh turkeys have a much shorter shelf life than frozen ones, so you’ll need to plan the timing of your purchase accordingly. Here are some guidelines on when to shop for a fresh turkey:
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1-2 days before – This is the safest bet for ultimate freshness, Buy your fresh turkey no more than a day or two before Thanksgiving
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5 days before – You can likely get away with buying a fresh turkey up to 5 days in advance, but this should be the max. Store properly (more on that below).
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2 weeks before – Most fresh turkeys arrive at grocery stores about 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. They’ll be okay for now, but don’t wait longer than 5 days to cook.
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Don’t buy too early – Fresh turkeys cannot be stored for extended periods, so it’s best not to buy more than 2 weeks in advance.
The sell-by date on fresh turkeys can help guide you – choose one with a date that extends at least a few days beyond when you plan to cook it. But for true freshness, 1-2 days before is best.
Proper Storage of Fresh Turkeys
To maximize a fresh turkey’s shelf life, proper storage is critical. Here are some tips:
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Store fresh turkeys in the refrigerator, not freezer. They cannot be stored below 26°F.
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Place the turkey on a tray or pan to catch any juices that may leak.
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Don’t let raw turkey juices touch or drip onto other foods in the fridge. This can lead to cross-contamination.
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Keep fresh turkeys stored at a temperature of at least 26°F but no more than 40°F.
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Cook fresh turkeys within 1-2 days of purchasing for best quality. Do not store for more than 5 days before cooking.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your fresh turkey lasts until Turkey Day!
Buying Directly from a Turkey Farm
If you want maximum freshness, consider skipping the grocery store and buying directly from a local turkey farm. Turkeys sourced directly from farms can typically be stored for up to 10 days before cooking.
Contact farms in your area to find out if they sell fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving and what their policies are for purchasing ahead of time. Some may let you buy turkeys weeks in advance.
And because the turkeys won’t go through a lengthy distribution process, they’ll be at their freshest when you go to cook them. Going direct to a farm takes some extra planning but is worth it for the highest quality bird!
Should I Reserve a Fresh Turkey?
As Thanksgiving nears, grocery stores often run low on fresh turkeys. If you’re worried about shortages or want a particular size, it’s a good idea to reserve a fresh turkey at your store.
Most stores will hold a fresh turkey for you if you ask ahead of time. Even if it’s past their normal reservation deadlines, reach out – they’ll often make exceptions to ensure customers get what they need for Thanksgiving dinner.
Reserving takes the guesswork out and guarantees you’ll get the fresh bird you want, even if you wait until a day or two before Thanksgiving to pick it up.
Weighing Fresh vs. Frozen
So when should you go fresh vs. frozen? Here’s a quick comparison:
Fresh Turkey
- Superb just-killed freshness and flavor
- Short shelf life – cook within 1-2 days
- Reserve ahead to ensure you get one
Frozen Turkey
- Buy any time – keeps for months or years frozen
- Thaw properly in fridge before cooking
- Often cheaper than fresh
Both fresh and frozen turkeys can make stellar Thanksgiving centerpieces. Go with the option that best fits your timeline, budget, and preferences!
The Takeaway
When buying a fresh Thanksgiving turkey, it’s best to purchase no more than 1-2 days before cooking. For true freshness, reserve a turkey at your grocery store and pick it up right before Thanksgiving. Store fresh turkeys in the fridge (not freezer) until ready to cook, no more than 5 days.
Following these tips will help you nail the turkey for your memorable Thanksgiving feast!
When To Buy a Frozen Or Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey + 4 More Prep Questions Answered
FAQ
How far in advance is it safe to buy a fresh turkey?
How long can a fresh turkey stay in the fridge before cooking?
How long can fresh Butterball turkey stay in the fridge?
Can I buy a frozen turkey a week before Thanksgiving?
Should you buy a fresh turkey before Thanksgiving?
If you want a fresh turkey, Ray says you should still buy it ahead. He suggests purchasing a fresh turkey the weekend before Thanksgiving. “Before it gets handled and all thrown around,” he says. When you take a fresh turkey home, leave it in the vacuum seal and store it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
When should a fresh turkey be sold by date?
A fresh turkey should have a sell by date on it. Fresh turkeys tend to arrive at stores the weekend that is before the weekend that is before Thanksgiving – in other words just under 2 weeks from Thanksgiving Day. I have always found that those turkeys had a sell by date that was at least a couple days past Thanksgiving.
When should I get a fresh turkey?
Call ahead as soon as you can, and reserve a fresh turkey at the size you need in your name. Then, pick it up within the week before Thanksgiving. Unsure whether you want to get a fresh or a frozen turkey?
How long should a fresh turkey be cooked before Thanksgiving?
In most cases any fresh turkey you buy in the store will be ok to buy when your ready and store in your fridge til Thanksgiving. When I asked a couple of my favorite turkey farms their thoughts on the manner was a bit more conservative. The general consensus was that a fresh turkey bought in the store should be cooked within 3 to 5 days.