If I buy a fresh turkey...

TheBub

on Saturday, will it be okay to cook on Thursday?  I am getting my groceries delivered on Saturday and do not want to have to go out during the week just to buy a turkey.

I called Peapod and they said that it needed to be cooked within 2-3 days, but I think that might just be them covering their butts.  WDYT?

lildevil968

Yes it should be ok. Most of them are marked with an expiration date on the packaging.

klondikebar

I don't like letting poultry sit that long in the fridge.

flyingsaucer

NO! I use the 3 day rule for raw or cooked meets.  5 days is too much.  

MrsGoodkat

I'd freeze it and then take it out Tuesday or whenever you need to depending on how big it is.

ridesbuttons

I would go out during the week to buy a turkey.  Fresh bird dead for at least 6 days before being cooked?  I wouldn't do it. 

michelcreek

I am going against the grain here, but I think it's ok in the fridge from Saturday to Thursday.  I was thinking about this...all of these turkeys being sold are for Thanksgiving, so they have to be good till then (check date though).  And if you freeze a fresh one, they say to give 3 days for a 15 lb. turkey to slow thaw; more if larger. 

https://allrecipes.com/video/37/how-to-thaw-a-turkey/detail.aspx?e11=turkey defrost&e8=Quick Search&event10=1&event8=1&prop24=SR_Showcase&e7=/features/holidays/thanksgiving/default.aspx

anneimal98

I can't find where I read this to verify but I'm pretty sure that fresh turkeys are required by law to be sold at a very cold temperature (high 30s, almost frozen) so I think you'll probably be ok.  We're getting ours from the turkey farm Sunday, which is the first day they start selling so maybe you're pushing it by a day?