How Far in Advance Can I Buy a Fresh Turkey? A Guide to Ensuring You Get the Best Bird for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about the star of the show – the turkey! As you start planning your holiday meal, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a fresh or frozen turkey. If you opt for fresh, you may be wondering – how far in advance can I safely buy a fresh turkey?

As an experienced Thanksgiving planner and fresh turkey enthusiast I’m here to provide a comprehensive guide to buying the best fresh turkey with plenty of time to spare before the big feast.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Fresh Turkey?

Ideally, you’ll want to buy your fresh turkey just 1-2 days before Thanksgiving Day Here’s why

• Fresh turkeys have a shorter shelf life than frozen ones. They need to be cooked within 2 days of purchasing.

• Buying a fresh turkey right before Thanksgiving ensures it hasn’t been sitting around getting handled at the store. You’ll get the freshest bird possible.

• Grocery stores get major shipments of fresh turkeys about 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Wait until just a couple days before to shop and you’ll have the biggest selection.

• If you buy a fresh turkey too far in advance, you’ll have to store it in your fridge longer. Save that precious fridge space for other Thanksgiving foods by waiting until the last minute.

So for ideal freshness and quality, plan your fresh turkey purchase for Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Can I Buy a Fresh Turkey Earlier Than That?

If you need to buy a bit earlier for logistical reasons, you do have some wiggle room. Here are the guidelines:

• Most fresh turkeys will have a “sell by” date printed on the packaging. As long as that date is after Thanksgiving, the turkey was safely stored at the store and can last in your fridge up to the sell by date.

• According to turkey farmers, a fresh turkey bought at a grocery store can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days max.

• If you buy directly from a local turkey farm, you may get up to 10 days of fridge life. Check with the farm.

• I like to aim for Saturday or Sunday before Thanksgiving at the earliest. This gives me peace of mind that the turkey will stay fresh.

The key is keeping the fresh turkey properly stored in the fridge once you bring it home. Keep it on the bottom shelf, away from fresh produce and other foods. Place it on a tray or pan to catch any juices. Then it should last 3-5 days no problem.

Helpful Tips for Buying the Perfect Fresh Turkey

Follow these tips to ensure fresh turkey success:

• Reserve it in advance – Many grocery stores will let you reserve a fresh turkey ahead of time. Then you can just pick it up 1-2 days before Thanksgiving.

• Check the packaging – Look for tight, vacuum-sealed packaging with no tears or air pockets. This keeps the turkey fresh.

• Get the right size – Plan for 1 pound of turkey per person, plus about 6 extra pounds. A 10 lb turkey feeds 4-5.

• Know your bird – Smaller hens are more tender and flavorful than large toms. Try for a hen if you have a choice.

• Prep ahead – Figure out if/how you’ll brine or season the turkey so you can factor that in.

Storing Your Fresh Turkey Safely

Once you’ve brought your fresh turkey home, proper storage is key for food safety:

• Immediately place turkey in the fridge on the bottom shelf.

• Keep the original packaging but place it in a tray or pan to catch juices.

• Use within 2 days for optimal quality and safety. Cook by the manufacturer’s sell by date at the very latest.

• Store at 40°F or below – fresh turkeys cannot be stored below 26°F.

• Do not freeze a fresh turkey once refrigerated unless it is within the sell by date.