Blackwing Turkey FAQ
Q: When does the Blackwing Pre-Sale Discount end?
A: October 31st 2024
Q: How long does a thawed turkey keep in the fridge?
A: Thawed turkeys should be cooked within 1-2 days from being fully thawed.
Q: When will my pre-order turkey be delivered?
You’ll schedule your turkey delivery during the Payment and Review stage at checkout, with the latest delivery date being November 22.
Q: How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
A: We recommend thawing your turkey for at least 24 hours in the fridge for every 4 pounds of turkey.
Q: What size turkey should I get for Thanksgiving?
A: We recommend 1 to 1.5 pounds per person (1.5 should ensure leftovers).
Q: How long does it take to cook a pasture raised turkey?
A: We recommend 20 minutes per pound of turkey, but use an oven thermometer as pasture raised turkeys can cook faster (15-18 minutes per pound). A low cooking temperature at 325°F will do the trick. Use a cooking thermometer to make sure your turkey is at 165°.
Q: Do your turkeys include giblets?
A: Yes, each whole turkey includes a bag of giblets (including a heart, liver, and gizzard) and a neck, which you’ll find in the neck cavity.
Q: Are Blackwing Turkeys brined or basted?
A: No, our turkeys are not brined or basted. They do not contain any added salt, water, or fillers of any kind so they are perfect to brine. We don’t add any competing flavors to your holiday traditions, just 100% turkey.
Q: How do I brine a turkey?
A: The basic wet brine is one cup of coarse kosher salt or sea salt to one gallon of water, making enough to submerge the bird. We recommend not brining for longer than 12 hours. Herbs, fruits, and seasonings are all great additions to brines so be sure to customize to your tastes!
Q: How do I get my Free Apron?
The free apron will be automatically added to your cart with a turkey purchase before October 31, while supplies last.
How to Defrost a Turkey
Your turkey will arrive frozen, with enough time to fully thaw before the holidays. Here's how to defrost your turkey worry-free.
- Leave the turkey in its original, unopened plastic.
- Put the turkey, breast side up, in a tray or pan to catch any drippings.
- Place the frozen turkey in the fridge. Make sure the fridge is set to 40°F or lower.
- Allow around 6-7 hours per pound for thawing.
Here are approximate times to defrost in the fridge for the turkeys, according to the USDA:
- Medium (12-15 pounds): 3-4 days
- Large (15-18 pounds): 4-5 days
- X-Large (18-20 pounds): 5-6 days
We have found it helpful to check on your turkey at least 24-36 hours ahead of time to ensure it defrosts at the right pace. If the turkey is still solid on the outside, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours before cooking. While it rests, you should check it hourly to confirm that your turkey is cool to the touch but not frozen.
Once thawed, your turkey can stay in the fridge for another 1-2 days before cooking.