How To Thaw Turkey

Fridge:

This is the safest way to defrost turkey.

• Place turkey on a tray in the refrigerator. Remove the packaging, cover the turkey with cling film. Make sure you have something underneath the turkey to catch any liquid that comes from the bird as this could otherwise spill onto other food in the fridge, contaminating it with bacteria.
• A rule of thumb is to allow 12 hours per kilo defrosting time.
• Make sure the turkey is not in contact with any other food.
• Allow plenty of space around the turkey.

Cold water:

This is a faster method to defrost turkey.

• Keep turkey in original packaging to ensure water doesn't leak onto the meat.
• Fill a large bowl with cold water & place turkey in bowl.
• Replace the water every 30 minutes to make sure the water remains cold.
• A rule of thumb is to allow 60 minutes per kilo defrosting time.
• Never use warm or hot water to defrost turkey this method.

Turkey safety tips:

• Always wash hands before and after handling raw food.
• Never let raw turkey come into contact with other food.

Notes:

• Don't defrost turkey on kitchen benches.
• Always follow the manufacturers instructions on the packaging for safe defrosting methods.
• Do not re-freeze turkey that has been defrosted. It can however be re-frozen after cooking.
• A thawed turkey can remain in the fridge for 1-2 days.