Whats the difference between a fresh and frozen turkey?

Whats the difference between a fresh and frozen turkey?

There's no name for them; some producers call them "refrigerated," while others call them "hard-chilled or "not previously frozen." The National Turkey Federation says, "There is no quality difference between a fresh and frozen turkey." We can only assume they're also referring to "refrigerated" turkeys.

What is a fresh frozen turkey?

Frozen turkeys are flash-frozen right after packaging to 0 degrees (or colder). More perishable fresh turkeys are "deep-chilled"—but never below 26 degrees. The "fresh" label can by law only be used on a turkey that's never dipped below that 26-degree threshold.

Does freezing Turkey affect taste?

Most turkey producers agree that freezing affects the texture and taste of the meat. When the water in the cells freezes, it disrupts the cellular structure of the meat, causing it to lose moisture (and therefore flavor) as it thaws.

Can I buy a fresh turkey and freeze it?

A: When you buy the bird depends on whether you're going with fresh or frozen. A raw, fresh turkey should be stored for no longer than two days in the refrigerator. So if you're buying fresh and want to keep it that way, you'll have to make the purchase right before Thanksgiving.