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If you’ve ever hosted a big family get-together or holiday dinner, you’re probably aware of how much food can accumulate after a feast. Moreover, you might have too much leftover turkey for your refrigerator, even though you can serve leftover pumpkin pie to guests in individual Tupperware containers. At this point, you may want to freeze these pieces to enjoy in the future. So, the question is, “How long is frozen turkey good for?” Fortunately, we have all the answers, so you won’t have to worry about throwing away any of the delectable turkey you spent so much time and effort making.
Depending on the kind of protein and its packaging, all raw, frozen meat, including ground beef and poultry like chicken, will keep in your freezer for different lengths of time. When you are working with already cooked Thanksgiving turkey or already made ground turkey burgers or meatloaf, things get a little trickier. But whether you’re freezing leftovers or purchasing and storing a frozen turkey to save for next year, we’ve covered all the rules you should know about and the actions to take to ensure you make the most of your turkey. Turkey may just become one of those staple items you keep in your freezer for all future use.
The answer is yes, you can use a frozen turkey from last year According to the USDA, frozen turkeys are safe to eat indefinitely. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to cook them within one year of freezing
Here are some things to keep in mind when using a frozen turkey from last year:
- Check the packaging. Make sure the turkey is still in its original packaging and that the package is not damaged.
- Thaw the turkey properly. The best way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.
- Cook the turkey thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re not sure whether your frozen turkey is still good, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Here are some additional tips for using a frozen turkey from last year:
- Consider the quality of the turkey. If the turkey was frozen at its peak freshness, it will likely still be of good quality after a year. However, if the turkey was not frozen at its peak freshness, it may not be as flavorful or juicy.
- Use the turkey in a dish that will mask any potential flavor changes. For example, you could use the turkey in a stew or chili, where the flavors of the other ingredients will be more prominent.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative! There are many delicious ways to cook a turkey, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find a recipe that you love.
With a little planning and care, you can use a frozen turkey from last year to create a delicious and memorable meal.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/turkey-food-safety
- Butterball Turkey Talk-Line: 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372)
- National Turkey Federation: https://www.eatturkey.com/
How long can you keep a turkey in the fridge?
The best way to tell if turkey is still good is smell and texture. As StillTasty.com points out, if the turkey has a sour odor and/or a slimy texture, it’s probably not good anymore — no matter what the date on the package says. So if you give your turkey a sniff and things seem a little off, then now’s the time to toss it and choose something else to cook for dinner or freeze.
How long will turkey stay fresh in the refrigerator if you just bought some and it seems to be of a decent texture and smell? This all depends on whether it’s cooked or not.
How long is frozen turkey good for?
All meat is good in the freezer indefinitely, but only if it is stored at 0°F consistently. Meat that is kept at precisely 0°F without variation is subject to this rule; in order to prevent dangerous bacteria, the meat must be uniformly frozen at that temperature.
You should be able to eat your turkey whenever you choose after freezing it, even if it’s been frozen for two months, two years, or three years, provided it’s in good condition when you freeze it and you thaw it properly (more on that below). Just remember to keep that temperature at 0 degrees, and you’re good to go.
But according to the Globe and Mail, cooked turkey (as opposed to raw) should keep for up to two or three months in storage.
How long can a turkey stay frozen?
FAQ
How long can a frozen turkey stay in the freezer?
Can I use frozen turkey stock from last year?
Is it safe to eat a turkey breast that has been frozen for a year?
How long is a frozen Butterball turkey good for?