Thanksgiving is Thursday: This is when you should start thawing your turkey

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s almost time to take your turkey out of the freezer.

According to US Department of Agriculturehere are a few tips to ensure you safely thaw your bird.

After buying a turkey at the store, you should take it home and store it in the freezer. Not on the front porch, or a cold car, or anywhere else where the temperatures are not consistent.

There are three safe ways to thaw a turkey: either in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Frozen turkeys thawed on the counter can enter the ‘danger zone’ within two hours, which means bacteria quickly start to multiply.

For refrigerator thawing: Allow approximately 24 hours for each four to five pounds in a refrigerator set at 40°F or below. Place the turkey in a container to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.

• 4 to 12 pounds – 1 to 3 days
• 12 to 16 pounds – 3 to 4 days
• 16 to 20 pounds – 4 to 5 days
• 20 to 24 pounds – 5 to 6 days

A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking.

For defrosting cold water: Allow approximately 30 minutes per pounds, making sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag.

Immerse the wrapped turkey in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.

• 4 to 12 pounds – 2 to 6 hours
• 12 to 16 pounds – 6 to 8 hours
• 16 to 20 pounds – 8 to 10 hours
• 20 to 24 pounds – 10 to 12 hours

For microwave defrosting: Follow the instructions provided by the microwave oven itself. Once thawed, cook immediately.