When turkeys form the special attraction in the Thanksgiving feast, you are sure
to feel confused between the fresh ones and the frozen ones. Fresh turkeys are
the ones that are sold within a short time period of their killing, so that they
retain their freshness. They are killed, processed and quick-chilled to 40°F or
lower and then stored at temperature greater than 26°F, so that they are only
partially frozen. They are usually fed a diet of natural foods or
organically-grown foods, but are free of antibiotics. Fresh turkeys need to be
transferred to the refrigerator as quickly as possible, after buying and should
be cooked within two days.
Frozen birds are entirely different from fresh birds. These are raised in a barn
with several other turkeys. They are injected with antibiotics to increase their
weight. They are killed and kept in the freezer to a temperature of as low as
-30°F. Such turkeys are frozen so quickly in the blast freezer that no ice
crystals are formed on them (so that thawing does not damage the turkey) and
then, are stored at 0°F or lower. They can be packaged tightly in plastic and
stored in the freezer for a long time. However, they begin to grow drier as they
are kept for longer periods in the freezer.
To thaw these turkeys, you just have to transfer them to the refrigerator and
keep them there for about five hours for every pound of turkey's weight. After
thawing, the turkey should be cooked within the two days Both the fresh and
frozen turkeys taste great. Most of the chefs and the cooking experts will find
it difficult to decide between them, with regard to their taste. However, the
environmentalists go for fresh turkeys, rather than the frozen ones.
When it comes to cost, fresh turkeys are more expensive than the frozen ones.
This is so because fresh turkeys are fed on organic foods, which demand a heavy
price. Besides, their cost also includes the cost of special handling, which is
necessary to prevent their perishability. If you have decided to go for fresh
turkeys, buy them only one or two days prior to the Thanksgiving feast. You need
to store them in the freezer till cooked. However, in case of frozen turkeys,
you can purchase them a few weeks in advance, keep them in the freezer and
gradually defrost them, to use on Thanksgiving.
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