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How to Defrost A Pasture-Raised Turkey

written by

Meg Peery

posted on

November 17, 2025

Turkey-Defrosting-Guide.png

PRINT THESE INSTRUCTIONS ]

>>> All defrosting guidelines will vary depending on your individual refrigerator, so please adjust according to how you know your fridge operates (i.e. colder or warmer side of temps)

>>> Brine Soaking Time Recommendations: Small & Medium = 12-24 hours suggested. Large & XL - 24 hours up to 36 hours suggested.

[Brine Recipe & Instructions here.]


J&L Green Farm Turkey Defrosting Guide:

Defrosting a Small Turkey (10-15lbs) - put in fridge 3-4 days before brine time. This typically means pull from freezer on Sunday, defrost in fridge until Wednesday, brine Wednesday to Thursday, and bake Thursday.

Defrosting a Medium Turkey (15-18lbs) - put in fridge 5 days before brine time. This typically means pull from freezer on Saturday, defrost in fridge until Wednesday, brine Wednesday to Thursday, and bake Thursday.

Defrosting a Large Turkey* (18-22lbs) - put in fridge 6-7 days before brine time. This typically means pull from freezer on Thursday, defrost in fridge until Wednesday, brine Tuesday PM or Wednesday to Thursday, and bake Thursday.

Defrosting an Extra Large Turkey* (22-28lbs) - put in fridge 7 days before brine time. This typically means pull from freezer on Thursday, defrost in fridge until Wednesday, brine Tuesday PM or Wednesday to Thursday, and bake Thursday.

View Cooking Instructions here.

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