Ground turkey is a versatile and fast-cooking mainstay in our kitchen. It can be mixed into a chili pot, drenched in a spicy-sweet sauce, formed into soft meatballs, or tossed into lettuce wraps. The only time we won’t sing its praises? When it’s rotten. However, a PhD in food science is not necessary to determine whether ground turkey is unhealthy. You can make sure your purchase is safe to eat by using a few senses (sight, smell, and touch) and keeping an eye on how long that pack of poultry has been in the refrigerator. Here are the four signs to look out for.
Ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless delicious dishes, but it’s important to know how to tell if it’s gone bad before you use it Eating spoiled ground turkey can lead to food poisoning, so it’s crucial to be able to identify the telltale signs.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last?
Ground turkey has a very short shelf life compared to other meats. According to the USDA, uncooked ground turkey only lasts for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. If you plan on using it later, it’s best to freeze it. Frozen ground turkey can last for 3-4 months.
Signs of Spoiled Ground Turkey:
1. Smell: Fresh ground turkey should have little to no odor. If you open the package and smell a sour or off-putting odor, it’s likely gone bad and should be discarded.
2. Color: Fresh ground turkey is typically light pink or beige in color. As it starts to spoil, the color will become duller and may even turn brown, gray, or greenish. If you see any discoloration, it’s best to throw it out.
3. Texture: Fresh ground turkey should be firm and slightly moist. If it feels slimy or sticky, it’s a sign that it’s gone bad.
4. Taste: If you’re unsure about the ground turkey, you can cook a small amount and taste it. If it tastes off or sour, it’s best to discard the entire batch.
What to Do with Spoiled Ground Turkey:
If you suspect your ground turkey has gone bad, don’t take any chances. Throw it out immediately and wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
Tips for Storing Ground Turkey:
- Store ground turkey in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally on the bottom shelf.
- Keep it in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container.
- If you’re freezing ground turkey, portion it into smaller amounts and place it in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Label the package with the date of purchase or freezing.
Ground turkey is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it’s important to be aware of its short shelf life and the signs of spoilage. By following the tips above, you can ensure that you’re using fresh, safe ground turkey in your cooking.
Bonus Tip:
To extend the shelf life of ground turkey, you can cook it and then freeze it. Cooked ground turkey can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it thoroughly before eating.
How to Tell If Ground Turkey Is Bad
The “sell by” date on the package or one or two days after purchase is when the USDA advises cooking (or freezing) raw, ground turkey. Thus, if your well-intentioned Tuesday night turkey burger plans ended up getting lost until Saturday, it’s sadly time to say farewell. And what about frozen ground turkey? The same rules apply, but not until the meat is fully thawed. (And that can take 12 hours, if you do it safely in your refrigerator. ).
Step 3: Smell the Turkey
Listen, we know raw poultry is never going to smell like roses. But if you notice a sour, cloying or pungent odor, it might be beyond saving. Before adding the ground turkey to the skillet, give it a sniff. If it smells odd in the slightest, do not proceed.
Despite passing the color and scent tests, you’re still unsure if your ground turkey is bad. Your final safeguard is to open the package and touch the raw poultry. It should feel moist, but not slimy, sticky or spongy.
How to Determine If a Thawed Turkey Has Gone Bad
FAQ
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