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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.
Is a turkey that’s been in the deep freezer for over a year still safe to eat?
The answer is yes, it is safe to eat a turkey that has been in the deep freezer for over a year, as long as it has been stored properly. However, the quality of the turkey may not be as good as a turkey that has been frozen for a shorter period of time.
How long can you keep a frozen turkey?
According to the Butterball Turkey Talk Line, you can keep a turkey stored in the freezer for up to two years, and it’s still safe to cook. However, it’s essential to store it correctly to avoid freezer burn.
How to store a frozen turkey:
- Make sure your turkey is unopened. If you have a fresh turkey and would like to freeze it for later, get it in the freezer before the “use-by” date on the package.
- Wrap the turkey tightly in freezer paper or aluminum foil. This will help to protect it from freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped turkey in a freezer-safe bag. This will help to keep the turkey dry and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the freezer.
- Label the bag with the date you froze the turkey. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
How to thaw a frozen turkey:
- The safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.
- You can also thaw a frozen turkey in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes.
- Do not thaw a frozen turkey at room temperature. This can allow bacteria to grow.
How to cook a frozen turkey:
- You can cook a frozen turkey, but it will take longer to cook than a thawed turkey.
- Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long will leftover turkey last in the freezer?
- Leftover turkey can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- Be sure to store the turkey in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Thaw leftover turkey in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for using leftover turkey:
- Use leftover turkey to make sandwiches, wraps, salads, or soups.
- You can also use leftover turkey to make casseroles, pot pies, or shepherd’s pie.
- Get creative! There are many delicious ways to use leftover turkey.
It is safe to eat a turkey that has been in the deep freezer for over a year, as long as it has been stored properly. However, the quality of the turkey may not be as good as a turkey that has been frozen for a shorter period of time. Be sure to follow the tips above for storing, thawing, and cooking frozen turkey.
Additional resources:
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 you freeze a turkey before it goes bad?
Is a 2 year frozen turkey still good?
Does frozen turkey meat go bad?
How long is a frozen Butterball turkey good for?