How long can my turkey sit in the fridge?


 
Charles Howse

Charles Howse

TVWBB Wizard
I placed a 15# turkey in the fridge a few days ago to thaw in anticipation of cooking it Monday.
Problem is, it's now thawed completely, and it's only Thursday.
Can it make it to Monday without spoiling?

Another basic question:
Other than a bad smell, how can I tell if it's spoiled?
 
From:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/farmfreeze.htm

"Refrigerator – It is best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. A large frozen item like a turkey requires at least a day (24 hours) for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight. Once thawed in the refrigerator, it can remain refrigerated for a day or two before cooking. Turkey thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality."
 
I like to cook poultry or freeze it. The only way I like to keep it refrigerated is in brine. My not so basic "Basic Brine" recipe is on www.bbqinstitute.com . One express defrost option I use is to put the whole bird in a BIG stainless pot with brine in the fridge. The salt accelerates the defrost process.
 
Looks like we're smokin' this afternoon when I get home!!
Would like to have done it Monday, but today will do since it shouldn't take more than 4 hours.
 
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