Thanksgiving turkey thawing tips: Butterball shares food safety guidelines

SAN ANTONIO - With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people will be donning their aprons to make a wonderful meal for the whole family. However, food safety is critical to a well-enjoyed meal, so it's important to ask, what is the best, safest way to thaw a turkey?

, one of the largest frozen turkey retailers and home to the says that frozen whole turkey and frozen turkey breasts must be thawed before cooking and that the process can take several days to finish.

Butterball recommends thawing your turkey well in advance, so it’s advised to start the thawing process as early as possible. A thawed turkey can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, keep it inside its original wrapping, and place it breast-side up on a tray inside the fridge. Allow for at least one day of thawing per four pounds of turkey, and after it has fully thawed, use it within four days.

For a faster thawing process, try cold water thawing. In either a kitchen sink or cooler, place your turkey breast-side down in enough cold water to submerge the turkey. Butterball says that the water should be changed out every 30 minutes if the turkey isn't fully submerged.

Butterball stresses the importance of food safety and that you should never thaw a turkey at room temperature.

So, even if you're in a rush, please put the hair dryer away. Happy Thanksgiving!