Frozen turkey

jasue224u2 · #1 Nov 15, 2007, 12:17 PM

I have a turkey in my freezer from last year that has not been cooked, yet. How long can you keep a whole uncooked turkey frozen and it still be juicy, tender and have a good taste when cooked?

desgrunner · Nov 15, 2007, 12:58 PM

Ehhh... I think I'd pass on that turkey unless your the Griswald's! The odds are against you that it will even have a taste to your liking. The cost of turkey is cheap enough this year, so go that route for the time it takes to cook it.

shygrneyzs · Nov 15, 2007, 03:53 PM

The OChef site states that the quality of the turkey declines after a year, but still usable, say for soups. The USDA website states that the turkey is still cookable, although quality may be an issue. But freezing a turkey no longer than 12 months.

So from that information, go ahead and thaw the turkey, check the quality and then all you can do is to roast it. You will notice if something is not right.

Check out the Freezing Foods Guide on the USDA site - Freezing and Food Safety
Scroll down to the bottom, where it says, "freezer storage chart". Good luck to you!

Clough · Nov 15, 2007, 05:08 PM

I had the same issue a couple of years ago with a turkey that I had kept frozen for many months. I found the same kind of information that shygrneyzs did above. I decided to toss the turkey.

shygrneyzs · Nov 15, 2007, 09:11 PM

I would be inclined to toss the turkey too. Turkeys are cheap now - less than 70 cents a pound.

boogie32b · Nov 19, 2007, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasue224u2

I have a turkey in my freezer from last year that has not been cooked, yet. How long can you keep a whole uncooked turkey frozen and it still be juicy, tender and have a good taste when cooked?

I know every one says to toss the bird, but I'm going to try it. I did the BOGO last year and thought for sure I would use it before Thanksgiving, but you know how that goes. I do brine my turkeys and I'm sure that will help. It makes them SO flavorful and juicy. I know it's a risk because cooked turkey sure doesn't keep very long in the freezer, I'm just hoping this one will be good. (and so does my family. lol)

mjl · Nov 28, 2007, 03:21 PM

A cooking show I was watching said chicken and turkey is good for only 6 months frozen.

boogie32b · Nov 28, 2007, 07:57 PM

Just to let you know.... I did brine and then cook the turkey that had been in our freezer one year. It was great! No kidding. One of the best we've had. I was so nervous thinking it would be as tough as shoe leather, but it was fine. I don't think I'll take that risk again though. I think we got lucky.



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