How soon after thawing a turkey must it be cooked?

You should cook a thawed turkey as soon as possible, ideally within 1-2 days of thawing.

Here's why:

* Food Safety: Thawing meat allows bacteria to grow more rapidly. The longer it sits thawed, the higher the risk of foodborne illness.

* Quality: The texture and flavor of the turkey will be best if cooked fresh after thawing.

Important Note: Never refreeze a thawed turkey. This increases the risk of bacteria growth and makes the meat unsafe to eat.