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.
Leftover turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, but how long does it actually last in the fridge?
The answer is: it depends.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors that affect how long turkey lasts in the fridge:
Food Safety vs. Food Quality:
- Food safety: The USDA recommends consuming leftover turkey within 3-4 days of cooking. This is based on the “Danger Zone” concept, where bacteria growth becomes a concern between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Food quality: While turkey is safe to eat for up to 4 days, the quality will decline over time. The texture may become dry and the flavor may change.
Storage Conditions:
- Temperature: Keep your turkey refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Container: Store your turkey in an airtight container to prevent drying and spoilage.
- Size: Smaller pieces of turkey are more susceptible to air exposure and will spoil faster than larger pieces.
Expert Opinions:
- LG’s Brian Karam: 1-2 days, keeping larger pieces whole.
- Diestel Family Ranch’s Aly Forster: 3-4 days.
- National Restaurant Association’s Patrick L. Guzzle: 7 days maximum, but considers food quality as well.
Ultimately, the decision of how long to keep your turkey in the fridge is up to you. Use your best judgment and consider the factors mentioned above. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Here are some additional tips for storing leftover turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the carcass and store it separately.
- Cut the turkey into smaller pieces for faster cooling.
- Refrigerate the turkey as soon as possible after cooking.
- Reheat turkey thoroughly before eating.
If you have more turkey than you can eat within 3-4 days, you can freeze it for later.
Here are some tips for freezing leftover turkey:
- Wrap the turkey tightly in freezer-safe packaging.
- Label the package with the date it was frozen.
- Freeze the turkey for up to 6 months for best quality.
- Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftover turkey safely and deliciously.
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.
How long is leftover turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Is leftover turkey good after 7 days?
Is it OK if turkey was left in fridge for a week?
How long can a turkey be in the fridge and still be good?
Is it OK to eat turkey that’s been in the fridge for 2 weeks?
How long does a cooked turkey last in the fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days. Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for premier quality.
How long does leftover Turkey last in the freezer?
The general consensus is that most food can safely be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but the USDA recommends consuming most frozen foods within two to six months for the best quality, depending on what you’re freezing.
How long does leftover Thanksgiving turkey last?
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey that is fully cooked will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. As for the freezer, the lifespan of your leftover turkey depends on the quality of said freezer. “If you have a really good freezer that maintains a temp of 0°F or below, it’s indefinite,” James says.
Can you freeze cooked turkey?
Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey. The USDA states that turkey can be frozen for three to four months. “Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer,” the USDA website states . How Long Is A Frozen Turkey Good For? Can Cooked Turkey Go Bad?