The Time to Thaw Your Turkey is Now

If you’re in charge of cooking the turkey for Thanksgiving, your preparation begins with properly thawing your bird.

ISU Extension Food and Health Human Science Specialist Amy Jones says how long it takes to thaw your frozen turkey, in your refrigerator, depends on its size.

Jones says if you don’t get your turkey out in time for thawing via the fridge, you can thaw it safely in the sink 

When it does come time to cook your turkey, Jones strongly advises washing your hands frequently to avoid transferring bacteria from the bird to other foods you’re preparing. She says cross contamination could make your guests ill.

*Jones works for ISU Extension in Cerro Gordo, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Kossuth, Mitchell, Palo Alto, Winnebago, Worth, and Wright counties.