How long does it take to unfreeze a 24 pound turkey?

It's impossible to give an exact time for thawing a 24-pound turkey without knowing the temperature of your refrigerator and the starting temperature of the turkey. However, here's a general guideline:

Thawing Time in the Refrigerator:

* Allow approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. So a 24-pound turkey would take approximately 96 hours (4 days) to thaw in the refrigerator.

Important Tips:

* Always thaw in the refrigerator: This is the safest method to prevent bacterial growth.

* Place the turkey on a low shelf in the refrigerator so juices don't drip onto other food.

* Do not thaw at room temperature: This is unsafe and can lead to bacteria growth.

* Do not thaw in cold water: While faster, this can lead to uneven thawing and increased risk of foodborne illness.

For Faster Thawing:

* If you need to thaw faster, you can use the cold water method. Submerge the turkey in cold water, making sure the water is constantly changing. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound, so it would take about 12 hours for a 24-pound turkey.

* You can also thaw the turkey in the microwave. This is the fastest method, but it's not recommended for large turkeys.

Always check the turkey is fully thawed before cooking. The turkey should be completely thawed, with no frozen areas remaining.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and allow extra time for thawing.