To make sure it's safe, what qualities should I look for when buying a turkey?

Buy from a store you trust, and rely on trusted brands – whether you favor Perdue or another company, make sure you choose a brand you know will be fresh, clean and flavorful. If buying a frozen turkey, make sure it is clean, packaged tightly and rock-solid to the touch. If buying a fresh turkey, make sure it is clean, cold, well-wrapped, sealed tight without rips or leaks, and sold from a refrigerated poultry case. Pick up your turkey toward the end of the shopping trip, so it stays cold for as long as possible.

How should I safely thaw a frozen turkey?

Thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, not on the counter. A small turkey may take two to three days, while a large turkey may take up to four or five days. If you need it to thaw more quickly, you may immerse the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, or you may use a microwave, following the manufacturer's instructions. Always cook thawed poultry immediately.

Before roasting, do I need to wash the turkey?

We do not recommend washing, or even rinsing, a PERDUE® bird. If you prefer to rinse it, do so with cool water, drying it gently with paper towels. You should without question wash any knives, plates, cutting boards, or countertops with soap and hot water if they've been in contact with the raw bird.

How long should I cook a turkey? What internal temperature should I watch for?

How long to cook a turkey depends on the method you're using. In the oven at 325° F., allow 10 to 12 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird. Perdue recommends cooking the stuffing outside of the bird. Stuffing should reach a temperature of 165° F., and the turkey should reach 180° F. in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone. Use a meat thermometer to tell: Several types are available – pop-up, digital, instant-read and disposable. It is not safe to cook a turkey at an oven temperature lower than 325° F.

How long should my roasted turkey sit out after I serve it?

Your turkey should not sit out for longer than two hours total – so let it rest for 20 minutes, carve it, serve it, and then refrigerate it after the main course.

How should I best store and reheat turkey leftovers?

Cooked turkey may be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. However, if it is sitting in broth or gravy, it should be stored only one to two days. It's a good idea to divide leftovers into small portions to speed chilling or freezing and later reheating. When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach a temperature of 165° F. – that means gravy should come to a boil.