Countdown to
Thanksgiving
The holiday countdown has begun. In only a few
weeks the holiday season begins, so now is the time to start thinking about
Thanksgiving. USDA’s Meat and Poultry
Hotline is ready to assist by offering some sure-fire ways to beat the
clock to ensure a safe and delicious holiday dinner.
Shop Early to Reduce Stress
Later
Plan your menu now and make your grocery list while
reviewing your entire menu, including recipes to be sure nothing is forgotten.
Shelf stable items like cranberry sauce can purchased now to shorten your
shopping list later.
Clear the Fridge
Start using foods taking up space in your refrigerator
now. This can help to make sure you have plenty of room for your turkey and
other holiday foods. Not sure if those leftovers are still good? We have an app
for that. The FoodKeeper
contains storage advice to help you determine if you should toss or can save
that food. The app is available for Android
and Apple
devices.
Gather the Equipment
Is your roasting pan large enough for the turkey? Do you
have a food thermometer? For safety USDA recommends using a food thermometer to
check the temperature of the turkey. Why? Because the only way you know the
turkey is safe to eat is when it is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of
165 °F. Check the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh, the innermost
part of the wing, and the thickest part of the breast. You can cook it to a
higher temperature if you prefer. But using a thermometer takes the guesswork
out of ensuring it’s done and safe.
Purchasing the Turkey
Allow 1 pound of turkey per person. Whether to buy a
fresh or frozen turkey is a matter of personal preference. There is no
significant difference in quality between the two. Buy a fresh turkey no more
than 1 to 2 days before cooking. Check with your grocer as some stores
allow you to preorder a turkey a few weeks in advance to pick up later.
If finding the right-sized bird is critical, buy a frozen
one early and save yourself the trouble of running from store to store later
during Thanksgiving week. Keep the turkey frozen until you’re ready to
thaw and cook it. Our fact sheet Countdown
to the Thanksgiving holiday can help with thawing times and other holiday
questions. Once thawed it’s safe for 2 more days in the refrigerator.
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