For many of us, that too much is just enough, since the real highlights of the holiday are the meals that come after the initial turkey feast. After all, is Thanksgiving really Thanksgiving if you don’t end up with leftovers? To be completely honest, I prefer my Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich to the actual holiday meal. However, you may have encountered the remains of that exquisite golden turkey centerpiece and discussed the best way to preserve it while considering both taste and safety. What is the real refrigerator life span for turkey? Should some of the meat be frozen straight away?
Here’s what you should know as you start to wash the dishes and clear the table, wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey.
Turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. However like all perishable foods turkey has a limited shelf life and can spoil if not stored properly.
This article will explore how long turkey lasts in the refrigerator and freezer, as well as the best practices for storing turkey to ensure its safety and quality.
Storing Turkey in the Refrigerator
The refrigerator is the best place to store cooked and raw turkey. However, the length of time that turkey can safely be stored in the refrigerator depends on whether it is cooked or raw.
Cooked Turkey
Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that, it should be discarded or frozen.
To store cooked turkey in the refrigerator, follow these steps:
- Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out and absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator.
- Place the wrapped turkey in a shallow container or on a plate. This will help to prevent the turkey from leaking and contaminating other foods in the refrigerator.
- Store the turkey in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F or below.
Raw Turkey
Raw turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. After that, it should be cooked or frozen.
To store raw turkey in the refrigerator, follow these steps:
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped turkey on a plate or in a shallow container.
- Store the turkey in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F or below.
Freezing Turkey
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of turkey Cooked and raw turkey can be frozen for several months
Cooked Turkey
Cooked turkey can be frozen for up to 4-6 months.
To freeze cooked turkey, follow these steps:
- Cut the turkey into smaller pieces, if desired.
- Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- Freeze the turkey at 0°F or below.
Raw Turkey
Raw turkey can be frozen for up to 9 months. Whole turkeys can be frozen for up to 1 year.
To freeze raw turkey, follow these steps:
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey.
- Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- Freeze the turkey at 0°F or below.
Thawing Frozen Turkey
When you are ready to use frozen turkey, it is important to thaw it properly. There are three safe methods for thawing frozen turkey:
- In the refrigerator: This is the safest method, but it takes the longest. Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.
- In cold water: This method is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it requires more attention. Place the frozen turkey in a leak-proof bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold. Allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey to thaw.
- In the microwave: This is the fastest method, but it is also the riskiest. Only use this method if you plan to cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Place the frozen turkey in a microwave-safe dish and use the defrost setting. Check the turkey frequently to ensure that it is thawing evenly.
Tips for Storing Turkey
Here are some additional tips for storing turkey:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling turkey.
- Use a separate cutting board and knife for raw turkey to prevent cross-contamination.
- Do not thaw frozen turkey at room temperature.
- Do not refreeze thawed turkey.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a thawed turkey remain in the refrigerator after thawing?
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
How long can a cooked turkey sit out at room temperature?
A cooked turkey can safely sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated or discarded.
Can I refreeze a thawed turkey?
No, you should not refreeze a thawed turkey. This is because refreezing a thawed turkey can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
How do I know if a turkey has gone bad?
There are several signs that a turkey has gone bad, including:
- A sour or off odor
- A slimy texture
- A grayish color
- Mold
If you notice any of these signs, do not eat the turkey. Discard it immediately.
Turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. However, it is important to store turkey properly to ensure its safety and quality. By following the tips in this article, you can safely store turkey in the refrigerator or freezer and enjoy it for days or months to come.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
How long does turkey last in the fridge?
The first step in storing your leftovers wisely is to consider what you’re going to do with them when they’re sitting in front of you. Even though you may be worn out from a day or two of cooking, entertaining, and feasting, it’s still best to deal with your turkey in one way or another as soon as possible. Do you have a leftover turkey recipe that you’re already planning to try for Friday dinner? Or would you like to save that delicious turkey in reserve for sometime down the road?
From a food safety perspective, it’s important to minimize the time your turkey spends in the “Danger Zone,” or between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The USDA notes that food has a limit of two hours at room temperature before bacteria growth becomes an issue.
Experts can give a variety of responses when asked how long cooked turkey keeps in the refrigerator. Though he also says that “time can be maximized by keeping larger pieces whole and not making them smaller before refrigerating, [as] smaller pieces are more susceptible to air exposure and could hasten spoilage in refrigerator,” LG’s resident culinary expert Brian Karam advises capping it at one to two days. According to Diestel Family Ranch’s Aly Forster, “you should consume within three to four days.” Thanksgiving leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, according to USDA guidelines. ” At the furthest end of the spectrum, Patrick L. According to Guzzle, the National Restaurant Association’s vice president of food science, “the maximum recommended time for cooked foods to be stored in the refrigerator is seven days.” ”.
The vast range of responses is primarily due to the distinction between food safety and food quality. Food safety, according to Guzzle, “may veer from what an average consumer might consider for quality (i.e., harmful microbiological organisms)” e. , taste, texture, aroma, etc. Forster continues, “Fortunately, poultry isn’t shy—one whiff easily lets you know if that meat is still wholesome!” In the end, though, you’ll need to use your best judgment to determine how long you feel comfortable within this range when using leftovers, Forster says. Make sure to “inspect the turkey for any signs of spoilage,” she advises. Alternatively, as I like to say, “Trash it when in doubt.” ”.
Your leftover meat will suffice if you only have enough turkey left for a few sandwiches and a batch of turkey jook. Store it in the refrigerator. But you might want to consider freezing that turkey for later if you have enough for a few more substantial feasts.
We’ve still got half a bird!
You’re not alone. Leftovers are practically a given when purchasing a turkey, whether it’s a frozen Butterball, a heritage bird from your neighborhood butcher shop, or a smaller turkey breast. A 2011 USDA study estimates that approximately 35 percent of Turkey is wasted annually, so knowing the best way to store your leftovers can help cut down on the quantity of Turkey that ends up in landfills and compost piles. This number seems even more significant when you consider that the National Turkey Federation states that 2888% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving, and Butterball E2%80%99s senior brand manager Chad McNabb notes that 2799% of consumers surveyed for a turkey in 2020 report planning to purchase a whole bird. Additionally, according to McFadden, the most popular Thanksgiving turkey option weighs between 16 and 20 pounds, and the average number of guests is nine, with a recommended estimate of one to one. 5 pounds of turkey per person. Our quick math for the turkey indicates that, on average, households have between 2 Following the Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, between 5 and 11 pounds of turkey and turkey bones remained. That’s a lot of sandwiches.