(NEXSTAR) — With November just beginning, many are already looking forward to Thanksgiving, which falls on its second-latest possible date this year. For those in charge of preparing the feast, especially the turkey, this timing is crucial as it dictates when to purchase and start thawing the bird.

The good news is you still have some time before you need to start defrosting your turkey. But is it too early to buy one?

According to food safety authorities, the answer depends on how you plan to store the turkey.