The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal is always the turkey, but whether you prepare a Turkey Roulade or Roasted Spatchcocked Turkey, you’ll undoubtedly have some leftovers.
Good news! After the holiday, leftover turkey can be a tasty addition to a sandwich or casserole—but only if it has been stored correctly. In light of this, we asked a food safety specialist to provide her knowledge on what to know about leftover turkey, such as how to store it properly and how long it keeps in the freezer or refrigerator.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and mountains of delicious food. But what happens when the feast is over and you’re left with a fridge full of leftover turkey? Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
The Short Answer:
According to the USDA, cooked turkey is safe to eat for up to 4 days in the refrigerator However, the quality of the turkey will start to decline after that, so it’s best to eat it sooner rather than later.
The Long Answer:
While the USDA says 4 days is the safe zone, experts have varying opinions on the actual edible window for cooked turkey Here’s a breakdown:
- 1-2 Days: LG’s culinary expert, Brian Karam, recommends eating cooked turkey within 1-2 days. He suggests keeping larger pieces whole to minimize air exposure and slow down spoilage.
- 3-4 Days: Aly Forster of Diestel Family Ranch says cooked turkey is best consumed within 3-4 days. This aligns with the USDA’s recommendation.
- 7 Days: Patrick L. Guzzle, VP of food science at the National Restaurant Association, says cooked foods can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. However, he emphasizes that this is based on food safety, not necessarily quality.
So, can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days? Technically, yes, it’s likely still safe to eat according to the USDA. However, the quality might not be the best. You might notice changes in texture, flavor, and aroma.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Use your best judgment. If the turkey looks or smells off, don’t risk it. Toss it out.
- When in doubt, throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Freeze it for later. If you have more turkey than you can eat within 4 days, freeze it for later. Frozen turkey can be safely stored for 2-6 months.
Remember:
- Always store cooked turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Don’t leave cooked turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Reheat leftover turkey thoroughly before eating.
Bonus Tip: If you’re worried about your leftover turkey going bad, try using it in a recipe that calls for cooked turkey, like a soup, stew, or casserole. This is a great way to use up leftover turkey and avoid waste.
So there you have it! The next time you’re wondering how long you can keep your leftover turkey, remember these tips and enjoy those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers safely.
Freezer Burn
Snyder notes that there is no safety concern with frozen leftovers, but that “other slower changes to quality, like freezer burn, can eventually render leftovers unacceptable.” The turkey is safe to eat if it has freezer burn, but the reduced quality makes it unappetizing.
Storing Leftover Turkey Safely
Airtight containers are the best way to store leftover turkey, whether it’s being kept in the refrigerator or freezer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that your leftover turkey should be sliced or divided into small quantities and stored within 2 hours. This allows for the leftovers to cool quickly and evenly in the refrigerator and freezer.
Can you eat cooked turkey after 5 days?
FAQ
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