I have a frozen (never been defrosted) turkey in freezer since last december is it still good?

Answer 1

defrost it...smell it...if it smells good cook it..it might have freezer burn

Answer 2

USDA - Food Safety

How long is it safe to keep a turkey, or other meat or poultry product, in the freezer?

Poultry, uncooked whole 12 months

Because freezing keeps food safe almost indefinitely, recommended storage times are for quality only. Refer to the freezer storage chart at the end of Focus on Freezing, which lists optimum freezing times for best quality.

If a food is not listed on the chart, you may determine its quality after defrosting. First check the odor. Some foods will develop a rancid or off odor when frozen too long and should be discarded. Some may not look picture perfect or be of high enough quality to serve alone but may be edible; use them to make soups or stews. Cook raw food and if you like the taste and texture, use it.

What is the safest way to thaw a frozen turkey?

The USDA recommends three ways to defrost turkeys: in the refrigerator, in cold water and in the microwave. Never defrost turkey on the counter or in other locations.
It's best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. Allow about 1 day for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in the refrigerator.
Turkey may be defrosted in cold water in its airtight packaging or in a leak-proof bag. Submerge the bird or cut-up parts in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Turkey defrosted in the microwave should be cooked immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed.


http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Help/FAQs_Hotline_Preparation/index.asp

Focus on Freezing Chart
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Focus_On_Freezing/index.asp

Answer 3

It is still safe to eat and will not make anyone ill, but the quality will certainly have suffered after spending a year in the freezer. If you just want to use it so that it is not wasted, then go ahead and cook it. If you are wanting to impress your guests with your excellent holiday turkey roasting skills, then go buy a fresh one and cook the freezer burnt one some other time.

Answer 4

It probably will be if it is properly packaged. The only way to tell is to defrost it. It won't have gone off but it may be freezer burnt, this will show on the defrosted meat as lighter cooked looking patches. If your turkey is freezer burnt, i'm afraid it's probably past it.

Answer 5

Yes, it is. If you want to cook it for Thanksgiving, make sure you move the turkey from the freezer to the fridge by monday, or it won't be thawed completely. The bird has to be thawed before being cooked.

Answer 6

Frozen turkey is safe indefinitely from a food safety standpoint; however, taste and quality begins to suffer after 12 months.

Answer 7

Maybe, it might have gone bad if you have a normal or bad freezer. A good freezer would have kept it good. So it depends what kind of freezer you have.

Answer 8

It may not have spoiled, but the texture may be tough as old shoes. Why didn't you just eat it during the year and get a new one for this year? It's not like turkey is expensive.

Answer 9

Yes it will be good, I have had turkeys frozen for over two years it was just fine.

Answer 10

Most Freezer proveders recommend only to freeze meat for six monthes but if you have a really nice Freezer it might have lasted. Personaly would not eat it. But you can if you want! :)Hope I helped!

Answer 11

IT SHOULD BE SAFE TO IT JUST TAKE IT OUR AND MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT HAVE FREEZER BURN OR A FUNNY BEEN IN THE FREEZER TO LONG SMELL