According to the Iowa State University Extension:
"Defrost the turkey in its original wrapper on a tray in the refrigerator 24 hours for each five pounds. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature. You may also place the wrapped turkey in the sink and cover it completely with cold water. This method requires about 30 minutes per pound. If the wrapping is torn, place the turkey in another plastic bag, close securely, and then place in water. The National Turkey Federation recommends every 30 minutes as a rule of thumb."
It is very true that you can not count on a turkey to be defrosted on time. It is, however, safe to have a thawed bird in the refrigerator a day or two before cooking, so plan accordingly.
But You Don't Have the Time Or Space? Here's Another Choice: Brining
Defrosting a turkey not only takes up a lot of room in your refrigerator, but can take up to 2 days or even longer. I get a large clean tub and put cold water and salt in it. I keep changing the water approximately every 4 hours and putting a little more salt in it (not too much.) If you put it in the water with salt in the morning it should be thawed by the next morning. Take the turkey out and put it into a clean kitchen sink and run cold water over it and be sure you rinse it VERY well. Then take paper toweling and pat dry INSIDE AND OUT!
WikiAnswers contributors share their turkey tips:
Turkey Thawing Time in the Refrigerator (40 degrees F):Approximately 24 hours per 5 pounds. Whole Turkey Weight Thawing Time in Refrigerator:
Turkey Thawing Time in Cold Water: Approximately 30 minutes per pound.
Change water every 1/2 hour. Whole Turkey Weight Thawing Time:
Thawing Methods:
Leave the bird in its original wrapping and place it on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow 5 hours per pound or 3-4 days for a 14-19 pound turkey to defrost.
Place turkey in its original wrapping in sink and cover with COLD water. Change the water every 1/2 hour to maintain the temperature. Allow 1/2 hour per pound to defrost the turkey. Most turkeys will take from 5 to 10 hours to thaw.
Microwave ovens do not heat evenly, and they also heat quicker along the bone. Microwave thawing of a turkey is generally not recommended.
The best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator. Figure one day for each 4-5 pounds of turkey.
It depends on the size of the turkey and the temperature in the refrigerator. Some turkeys may take up to 3 or 4 days to thaw.
It depends on the size of the turkey and the temperature of the refrigerator. A large turkey can take up to 4 days or more to thaw.
4
The point to actual spoilage is uncertain and will depend on a number of variables, including whether or not it is cooked, the bacterial load to begin with, how it has been handled, the temperature at which it is stored (there are hot and cold spots in the fridge) and how it is packaged. Raw turkey should be cooked within a couple days of thawing from frozen. If it is purchased fresh, use within a couple days or follow label guidelines. Cooked turkey could last up to 4 days.
How long can i leasve thawed chicken in marinade in refrigerator
The following link has information pertaining to your question: http://southernfood.about.com/library/info/bltrkeyb.htm Seven days in the refridgerator. A 20 pound frozen turkey if placed in the fridge will take three days to thaw.
30
One to two days in the refrigerator.
14 days
About 3 days is the maximum amount of days you can keep a frozen coconut after you've defrosted it. answer by: ZebraCheetahTap :)
400
Raw meats do not last long in the refrigerator. Meats that are not going to be eaten in a few days should be frozen and not stored in the refrigerator.Place raw meats in freezer bags or paper or an airtight container.Then freeze them for up to 2 years.
28 Days :3
2 days MAXIMUM
It take about 55 days.