As Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approach, home cooks everywhere start thawing and prepping turkeys for festive feasts. But a common question arises – does a frozen turkey weigh more than an unfrozen one? It may seem counterintuitive, but the answer is yes, frozen turkeys can weigh slightly more. Read on to understand exactly why.
Frozen Water Adds Weight
Turkeys are largely made up of water. When a raw turkey is frozen, the water inside transforms from liquid to solid ice crystals. This frozen water adds a bit of extra weight to the overall mass of the turkey.
On average, the freezing process makes a turkey weigh about 1-2% more than it would if unfrozen. So for a 20 lb turkey freezing could add up to 0.4 lbs.
The amount of extra weight depends on factors like
- Turkey size – A larger turkey has more water content.
- Freezing method – Quick freezing minimizes water loss.
- Packaging – Well-wrapped turkeys retain moisture.
So while not a huge difference, frozen turkeys do weigh measurably more than their fresh counterparts.
Thawing Causes Weight Loss
Once thawed, the ice crystals melt back into liquid water that can be lost during the defrosting process. As the turkey thaws, fluids are released and the bird loses moisture.
Most of this thaw drip is water, but it also contains proteins and juices. The moisture loss causes a thawed turkey to weigh less than it did when frozen.
A 20 lb frozen turkey may weigh around 19.5 lbs after thawing. The larger the turkey, the more moisture that can be lost during defrosting.
Weighing Frozen vs. Thawed: Key Tips
To accurately weigh turkeys at different stages, keep these tips in mind:
-
Weigh frozen turkeys in their original wrapping for the most precise frozen weight.
-
Allow turkeys to fully thaw before weighing to get the thawed weight.
-
Pat thawed turkeys dry before weighing to account for surface moisture.
-
Weigh turkeys as soon as possible when bringing home frozen ones to limit thawing.
-
Calculate thaw loss by weighing turkeys both before and after defrosting.
-
Adjust cooking times and recipes to account for weight differences between frozen and thawed.
Impact on Cooking
The slight weight difference between frozen and thawed turkeys does impact cooking. A frozen turkey requires a longer cooking time than an equal-sized thawed one since it must thaw as it cooks.
For example, a thawed 20 lb turkey may need about 4 hours in the oven while an identical 20 lb frozen turkey could require up to 6 hours. Monitor with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Also, recipes may need adjusted. Measuring stuffing for a 20 lb frozen bird could result in excess for a 19.5 lb thawed version. Compensate by reducing measured ingredients or planning for leftovers.
Handling Thaw Drippings
That tasty fluid released when thawing is filled with flavor and shouldn’t go to waste. Use thaw drippings to:
-
Make gravy – Simmer with aromatics and thickeners for rich gravy.
-
Add to stuffing – For extra moisture and turkey flavor.
-
Cook veggies – Saute greens, onions, potatoes etc. in the drippings.
-
Make soup stocks – Simmer with bones, herbs and vegetables.
-
Moisten casseroles or dressing.
-
Freeze for later – Store in bags to use in future recipes.
With proper handling, you can harness thaw drippings to make the most of your turkey’s moisture loss.
Common Turkey Weight Questions
Beyond frozen vs. thawed weights, other turkey weight FAQs arise:
Does stuffing add weight? Yes, stuffed turkeys can weigh a few pounds more than unstuffed due to the addition of breads, vegetables, and broth.
Do heritage breeds weigh more? Not necessarily. Weights vary more by diet, age, and farm conditions than breed.
Do toms weigh more than hens? Usually. Toms average around 20-24 lbs while hens range from 8-16 lbs.
Does a brined turkey weigh more? A brined turkey can gain a few extra ounces of weight from absorbed saltwater solution.
Does packaging affect weight? Minimal, if any. But poorly wrapped frozen turkeys may lose more moisture and weigh less.
Can you refreeze a thawed turkey? No. Once thawed, cook turkeys right away rather than refreezing.
Does freezing affect nutrition? No. Frozen, thawed, and fresh turkey contain the same nutrition per pound.
The next time you hoist a frozen bird into your shopping cart, rest assured it may weight slightly more than the label claims! But a little extra weight means juicier meat with all the delicious flavor you expect from a perfect holiday turkey.
Does a frozen turkey weigh more?
Are frozen turkeys heavier than fresh?
Technically, frozen turkeys are heavier than fresh ones. This is because the moisture in a frozen turkey has been turned to ice, increasing the weight of the bird. However, you’re not being short-changed. The weight listed on a frozen turkey for sale is the weight of the bird was before it was frozen.
Can turkeys be frozen?
Once killed, these birds are frozen to a temperature of 0°F to -30°F. They can be kept (almost) indefinitely in your home freezer, which means you can purchase your turkey anytime during the year. Because of the way the birds are raised and what they are fed, there can be a noticeable taste difference between fresh and frozen.
Can You Thaw a turkey if it won’t fit?
You don’t want to buy a larger bird only to find out it won’t fit! Frozen or fresh: If you opt for a frozen turkey, allow enough time to thaw safely in the refrigerator. Thawing a turkey takes approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of weight.
What temperature should a Turkey be frozen?
Once butchered, the bird is “deep chilled” to 26°F (anything colder is considered “previously frozen”) and then sold in a short time to maximize its fresh state. You’ll want to grab your fresh turkey pretty close to the big day, which may mean a mad dash to the grocery store while you’re busy making other preparations .