Turkey

[pinkiefriend]

I have had a frozen Turkey in my freezer since just before Christmas. Will this still be OK to eat?

Also, I think it's a 4lb - er. How long do you think it will take to defrost before cooking?

[WendyS]

Yes, it will be perfectly OK to eat provided your freezer has been maintained at its usual safe temperature. I think you should let it defrost slowly for at least 24 hours. Poultry can be defrosted in the microwave on the defrost setting but I'm not sure how long this would take. I'd be tempted to leave it out of the fridge for a few hours first just to help the defrosting on its way. There was some correspondence in The Telegraph recently about who had stored poultry longest in the freezer. I think the record was a pheasant which had been frozen for 21 years.(Somebody was clearing out a dead relative's freezer !) Apparently it didn't taste brilliant but nobody minded because the accompanying wine was excellent, so your turkey is well within the limits !! Bon appetit !

[Gef]

Sorry, don't mean to sound glib but just read the label on the turkey. Hope it tastes nice.

[les saisies]

4lb doesn't sound a very big turkey. do you mean 4kg?That is nearer 10lb which sounds better for a small turkey.

Allow about a day in a cool place (not fridge).

[jon1968]

And if you have to use a microwave to defrost poultry defrost it just before you'll be slinging in the oven.

[derekpara]

Yes is will be fine to eat - but read the label as had already been suggested. Wholesalers buy turkeys for freezing when the price is lowest ie in the Summer and usually make a killing (!) by selling them when the demand is greatest, ie Christmas. Your Turkey was probably killed and frozen eight months to eighteen months ago ! Sorry, can't help with the cooking times.