How Fresh is That Turkey in the Freezer?
Turkeys are piled high in cold storage bins at groceries during the month of November. You won't have any way 
of knowing how long it has been in this state and it really isn't important. The quality of a well-frozen bird remains the same for at least a year and it is reasonably consumable for up to three years. That is under deep-freeze conditions, however, and not a typical side-by-side or other fridge/freezer combo.
Frozen or Hard-Chilled Turkeys
Those in the know have discovered there are many levels of "frozen." Even a refrigerated and thawed turkey may have been previously frozen, but it must be labeled as such.
To become an officially frozen bird, the turkey must be flash frozen at 0º F. immediately after slaughter. The USDA standards require this for consumer safety. A flash deep-freeze means the bird should have the same qualities as a fresh turkey by the time it reaches your refrigerator and thaws. Sometimes, these birds are allowed to thaw and acquire the aforementioned "previously frozen" label.
"Hard-chilled" birds are maintained between 0º F. and 26º F. They, too, must be labeled to indicate the process. Treat them the same way you would a fresh turkey.
Fresh Turkeys
Fresh turkeys release a cook from the worries of thawing. They are pricier and often a little more difficult to obtain. Be sure you purchase through a trusted source. It is important that these birds be treated with kid gloves from the producer to the vendor.
Before they begin their journey, fresh turkeys are kept at a cool 26º F., which is the point at which they will begin to freeze. Upon arrival at the local market, they must be kept at temperatures below 40º F. Labels will state either "fresh" or "refrigerated." Adhere to the listed "use by" or "sell by" date. You can also freeze these turkeys for later use, but cut them into sections first.
Tips for buying frozen or fresh fowl
- Avoid birds that are piled high in freezer cases. They must be stored within the confines of the case itself – and not above – to maintain proper temperatures.
- Always inspect the packaging for tears and leaks.
- Purchase a fresh turkey no earlier than two days before cooking and preferably only one day prior to preparation.
- Fresh turkeys typically require a special order.