What to Expect from a Deep a Chilled Turkey at Christmas
The Australian Meat Emporium, we take great care in sourcing our Christmas turkeys from trusted Australian suppliers. To ensure the highest quality and food safety, our turkeys arrive to us in a deep chilled state — a process that keeps them perfectly fresh and ready for your festive table.
What Does “Deep Chilled” Mean?
“Deep chilling” is a controlled temperature process used by our poultry suppliers to preserve freshness without fully freezing the product.
Deep chilled products are stored at temperatures between -2°C and -5°C, which keeps the turkey firm and extends its shelf life — all while maintaining the eating quality of fresh meat.
This process is not the same as freezing. The turkey may feel firm or even slightly icy to touch, but it has not been frozen solid. It’s a safe and approved food handling method used widely across the Australian meat industry, especially during busy periods like Christmas.
Why Deep Chilling Matters
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Preserves freshness: Keeps the turkey at its best quality during transport and storage.
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Protects food safety: Maintains a stable, cold environment to prevent bacterial growth.
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Reduces waste: Ensures your bird stays fresh from our supplier to your fridge — even with high seasonal demand.
What You’ll Notice When You Receive Your Turkey
When you collect or receive your turkey, you might notice:
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The bird feels firm or slightly frozen to the touch.
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There may be light frost or small ice crystals inside the packaging.
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As it sits in your fridge, it will soften gradually over 12–24 hours.
This is completely normal and shows that your turkey has been kept at a safe temperature throughout its journey.
How to Store and Prepare
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Keep refrigerated until ready to cook (0°C to 5°C).
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Allow time to come to fridge temperature before roasting.
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If you’re storing your turkey for more than a few days, it’s perfectly fine to place it in your freezer upon receiving it.
Once thawed, cook within 1–2 days for the best result.
At Christmas, we want your meal to be stress-free and delicious. By understanding how deep chilled turkeys are handled, you can be confident your bird has been kept in premium condition — from farm to festive feast.