Turkey is a crowd-pleaser, but because of their size, it can be a little difficult to store and prepare in advance of any event. Determining how long fresh turkey can be refrigerated will assist you in choosing the optimal time to purchase and preserve the freshness of the turkey. So, how long can you keep fresh turkey refrigerated? We’ve got you covered!.
Planning a Thanksgiving feast? Wondering how long you can safely store a fresh turkey in the refrigerator before cooking it? You’ve come to the right place!
The Short Answer:
While a fresh turkey can technically stay in the fridge for 1-2 days, it’s best to err on the side of caution and cook it within 24 hours of purchase. This ensures the highest quality and freshness for your Thanksgiving meal.
The Long Answer:
Several factors can affect the shelf life of a fresh turkey in the refrigerator:
- How the turkey was butchered: Proper butchering and immediate packaging can extend shelf life.
- Cooling temperature: The turkey should be cooled down quickly after butchering to slow down bacterial growth.
- Transportation conditions: Exposure to air, temperature fluctuations, and contamination during transport can shorten shelf life.
- Refrigerator temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set at 40°F (4°C) or below for optimal food storage.
- Handling and storage: Keep the turkey unopened in its original packaging and store it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.
Why 24 Hours is the Safest Bet:
Even under ideal conditions, the quality and freshness of a fresh turkey will deteriorate over time. After 24 hours, the risk of spoilage increases, potentially affecting the taste and safety of your Thanksgiving meal.
Freezing as an Alternative:
If you need to store your turkey for longer than 24 hours, freezing is the best option. A frozen turkey can last for several months without compromising quality. Just remember to thaw it safely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Tips for Safe Handling:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw turkey.
- Keep raw turkey separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Enjoy a Delicious and Safe Thanksgiving Meal:
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your fresh turkey is safe and delicious for your Thanksgiving feast. Remember, when in doubt, cook it within 24 hours of purchase for the best quality and peace of mind.
Additional Resources:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-soon-before-cooking-should-you-buy-a-fresh-turkey
- Cooking.SE: https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/9238/how-long-will-a-whole-turkey-keep-in-a-refrigerator
Happy Thanksgiving!
How Long Can You Keep Fresh Turkey Refrigerated?
You can keep fresh turkey, turkey cutlets, and giblets for one to two days in the fridge. That’s as long as the refrigerated temperature is at least 40ºF.
That said, the storage period would depend on whether or not you’ve safely handled the turkey during your trip home.
For instance, you shouldn’t keep fresh turkey in a hot car for more than 30 minutes. Otherwise, you risk the multiplication of harmful bacteria even before refrigerating it.
Generally, raw meat, like turkey, is a highly perishable food. While 30 minutes isn’t long enough for the turkey to show visible spoilage signs, some bacteria can reproduce within as little as 4 minutes and produce harmful toxins.
Sure, oven temperatures around 165ºF and above are enough to kill bacteria, but that won’t affect the toxins.
PRO TIP: On the day of pickup, fill the cooler to the brim with ice to eliminate any chance of bacteria growth.
How to Store In the Fridge?
Even though refrigeration is a straightforward process, you should proceed with caution to stop the spread of dangerous microorganisms.
Here are a few tips to make sure the turkey remains safe until cooked:
- To make sure you choose a fresh turkey, check the “use by” date on the package.
- Choose a package that has no tears.
- Skip rinsing the turkey. The water won’t wash any bacteria away.
- Turkey should be packaged and placed on a tray to keep poultry juice from getting into the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate immediately after purchase.
- Since the back of the turkey is usually the coldest part of the refrigerator, place it on the lower shelf.
How long will a whole turkey keep in a refrigerator?
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