How Many Days Before Thanksgiving Should I Buy A Turkey?

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in the United States. A time to gather with friends and family, enjoy a delicious meal, and reflect on all there is to be grateful for. The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving feasts is, of course, the turkey. Choosing the right turkey and knowing when to buy it is key to pulling off a perfect Thanksgiving dinner. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to buy the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving gathering.

Should I Buy a Fresh or Frozen Turkey?

The first decision to make is whether you want to cook a fresh or a frozen turkey. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s break them down:

Fresh Turkey

• Pros:
  • Superior flavor and texture
  • No thawing required
  • Can find high-quality heritage breeds
• Cons:
  • Short shelf life
  • More expensive
  • Need to buy close to Thanksgiving

Frozen Turkey

• Pros:
  • Buy well in advance when on sale
  • Extended shelf life in freezer
  • Less expensive
• Cons:
  • Not as flavorful
  • Requires thawing
  • Limited to breeds sold commercially

If flavor is paramount, a fresh turkey is the way to go. However, a frozen turkey provides more flexibility if you want to buy early when prices are lower.

When to Buy a Frozen Turkey

Frozen turkeys can be purchased anytime and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to thaw and cook. Here are some tips for buying a frozen turkey:

• Shop early for the best selection. Popular sizes sell out.
• Make sure your freezer has room to store it. Allow at least 1 cubic foot.
• Buy 10-14 days before Thanksgiving. This gives enough thawing time.
• Check the sell-by date and pick the longest date possible.
• Allow 1 pound per person when determining turkey size.

Buying your frozen turkey early allows you to shop sales and discounts. Just make sure you have ample freezer space. Leave enough thawing time as well – at least 24 hours per 4-5 pounds.

When to Buy a Fresh Turkey

Since fresh turkeys have a much shorter shelf life, timing is crucial when buying one. Here is when you should shop:

• Shop 1-2 days before Thanksgiving.
• Check the sell-by or use-by date when choosing your turkey.
• Allow the turkey to sit in the fridge no more than 2 days before cooking.
• Reserve your turkey in advance at a butcher shop or specialty market.
• Plan for 1 pound per person to determine ideal size.

Keep the fresh turkey well chilled in the fridge until it’s time to cook. Cook within 2 days of purchasing for optimal flavor and texture.

How Many Days Before Thanksgiving Should I Buy a Turkey?

Frozen Turkey: Buy 10-14 days before Thanksgiving. This allows enough time to safely thaw in the fridge.

Fresh Turkey: Buy 1-2 days before Thanksgiving. Cook within 2 days for best quality and flavor.

Use these timelines as a guide to ensure your turkey is fully thawed and as fresh as possible when cooking.

Turkey Storage

Proper storage preserves flavor and prevents spoilage of your turkey after buying. Here are some tips:

• Store frozen turkey at 0°F or below. Place on a tray to catch leaks.

• Store fresh turkey at 40°F or below. Place on a tray and keep away from other foods.

• Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1 day per 4-5 pounds. Cook within 2 days.

• Never refreeze a thawed turkey. Cook within 2 days.

• Discard turkey if left at room temperature over 2 hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly.

Follow the cold chain guidelines carefully. Never leave a fresh or thawed turkey at room temperature over a couple hours.

Selecting Your Turkey

When shopping for your star attraction turkey, keep these tips in mind:

• Freshness – Check sell-by date. Pick latest date for fresh birds.

• Size – Allow 1 pound per person. Add 6-7 extra pounds.

• Appearance – Pick turkeys without visible tears, leaks, or ice crystals.

• Brand – Select well-known brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, Shady Brook Farms.

• Certified Organic – Denotes no antibiotics, GMOs or animal by-products were used.

Take time to carefully inspect turkey packaging. Avoid any that seem compromised or damaged.

Heritage Breed Fresh Turkeys

Beyond standard supermarket turkeys, another option is seeking out a heritage breed fresh turkey from a local farm, butcher or specialty online retailer. Advantages of heritage turkeys include:

• Much more flavorful
• Higher quality feed
• Natural genetics – not commercial breeds
• Support small family farms
• Humanely raised
• Grass fed and organic options

The downsides are limited availability and higher cost. But for the ultimate holiday table centerpiece, a heritage turkey is tough to beat.

Turkey Prices: Buy Now or After Thanksgiving?

Turkey prices fluctuate in the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving. Here are some tips:

• Shop early bird discounts starting in early November.

• Check ads and stock up if you see a rock-bottom price.

• Expect prices to start dropping week of Thanksgiving.

• Deep discounts on leftovers after holiday weekend.

Being flexible on when you buy can help find the best bargain. Mix up early discounted birds with post-holiday sales.

Takeaway Messages

• Allow 10-14 days if buying frozen; 1-2 days if fresh
• Follow strict cold temperature storage guidelines
• Thaw frozen carefully over 24 hours per 4-5 pounds
• Inspect carefully; check sell-by dates
• Shop early discounts but also leftovers sales
• Consider splurging on a heritage fresh turkey

Follow this advice when shopping and you’ll have the perfect turkey on the table for Thanksgiving this year. Bring this guide with you to the market to make sure your timing is right. Here’s to a happy and blessed Thanksgiving meal shared with your loved ones!