How long can a turkey be defrosted before it is roasted?

It is not recommended to defrost a turkey for an extended period before roasting. Here's why:

* Food Safety: Defrosted turkey is highly perishable. The longer it's out of the freezer, the more vulnerable it is to bacteria growth.

* Quality: As the turkey defrosts, it can become watery and lose its flavor.

Safe Defrosting Times:

* Refrigerator: 1 day for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.

* Cold Water: 30 minutes for every pound of turkey (change the water every 30 minutes).

* Microwave: Refer to your microwave's manual for defrosting times and instructions.

Important Note: Once defrosted, the turkey should be kept refrigerated at 40°F or below. Do not refreeze a defrosted turkey.

Best Practice: Plan ahead and defrost your turkey in the refrigerator for the recommended time.