Discover the fundamentals of storing turkey for later use by reading on. If you’re hoping to prolong the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you may be wondering how long does turkey last in the refrigerator and how long does turkey last in the freezer.
So, you’ve got a fresh, uncooked turkey sitting in your fridge, and you’re wondering how long it’ll stay good before you need to cook it. Well, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will answer all your questions about storing uncooked turkey in the fridge, including:
- How long does uncooked turkey last in the fridge?
- What are the signs that uncooked turkey has gone bad?
- How can I store uncooked turkey in the fridge?
- How can I thaw frozen turkey?
- How long should I cook turkey?
- What are some tips for cooking turkey?
Let’s dive in!
How Long Does Uncooked Turkey Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of uncooked turkey depends on a few factors, including the type of turkey, the storage temperature, and the packaging. Here’s a general guideline:
- Whole turkeys: 1-2 days
- Boneless, skinless turkey breasts: 3-4 days
- Ground turkey: 1-2 days
Remember, these are just guidelines. If you’re unsure how long your uncooked turkey has been in the fridge, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and cook it sooner rather than later.
What Are the Signs That Uncooked Turkey Has Gone Bad?
There are a few telltale signs that your uncooked turkey has gone bad:
- Change in color: Fresh turkey should be a light pink color. If the turkey has turned a dark or greenish color, it’s time to toss it.
- Change in smell: Fresh turkey should have a mild, meaty smell. If the turkey smells sour, rancid, or ammonia-like, it’s definitely gone bad.
- Sliminess: Fresh turkey should be firm and dry. If the turkey feels slimy or sticky, it’s not safe to eat.
- Texture changes: Fresh turkey should be smooth and uniform. If the turkey has become tough or stringy, it’s best to discard it.
If you see any of these signs, don’t take any chances. Throw the turkey away immediately.
How Can I Store Uncooked Turkey in the Fridge?
To keep your uncooked turkey fresh and safe follow these tips:
- Wrap it tightly: Wrap the turkey in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
- Place it on a tray: Put the wrapped turkey on a tray to catch any juices that may leak. This will help keep your fridge clean.
- Store it in the coldest part: The coldest part of your fridge is usually the back of the bottom shelf. This is where the temperature is most consistent.
- Don’t wash it: Don’t wash your turkey before storing it. This can actually spread bacteria.
How Can I Thaw Frozen Turkey?
If you’re planning to cook a frozen turkey, you’ll need to thaw it first. Here are the three safest methods:
- Thaw in the refrigerator: This is the safest and most recommended method. Place the frozen turkey in its original packaging on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw completely.
- Thaw in cold water: Fill a clean sink or container with cold water and submerge the wrapped turkey. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey to thaw completely.
- Thaw in the microwave: This is the quickest method, but it’s also the riskiest. Use the defrost setting on your microwave and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing in the microwave.
Never thaw turkey at room temperature or in hot water This can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow
How Long Should I Cook Turkey?
The cooking time for turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the cooking method you use. Here’s a general guideline:
- Whole turkey: 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C)
- Turkey breast: 20-25 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C)
- Ground turkey: 160°F (71°C) internal temperature
Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it’s cooked safely.
What Are Some Tips for Cooking Turkey?
Here are a few tips to help you cook a delicious and juicy turkey:
- Brine the turkey: Brining helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful. You can find many different brine recipes online.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Baste the turkey: Basting the turkey with butter or broth helps keep it moist and adds flavor.
- Let the turkey rest: Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
Now you know everything you need to know about storing and cooking uncooked turkey! By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey is safe and delicious.
Happy cooking!
Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you plan to freeze cooked turkey rather than refrigerate it if you have enough leftovers for more than a few days. Similarly, this applies if you have leftover raw turkey that you intend to cook later. Fortunately, freezing turkey is a very easy process that works for both cooked and raw turkey.
Using Glad® Press’n Seal®, create an airtight seal around each individual turkey piece. Next, place the turkey pieces inside an airtight bag, like Glad® FLEXN SEALTM Freezer Quart Bags, being careful to press out any excess air before sealing. Simply wrap your turkey in multiple layers of Glad® Press’n Seal® or Glad® Clingn SealTM if you’re freezing it whole. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. Whole raw turkeys can be frozen for up to a year, but raw turkey pieces can be stored in the freezer for up to nine months. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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The USDA states that you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter, in hot water, or for longer than two hours at room temperature.
Placing the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and placing it in the refrigerator is the best method for gradually thawing turkey, whether it is whole or in pieces. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. Before it needs to be cooked or refrozen, a raw frozen turkey can be defrosted in the fridge and kept there for one to two days.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. To ensure the turkey continues to thaw, place it in an airtight bag (such as Glad® FLEXN SEALTM Food Storage Quart Bags) and immerse it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Frozen turkey pieces can also be thawed in the microwave, but if you choose to do so, make sure to cook it right away to stop bacteria from growing.
With our meat storing tips, you can find out more about how to store meat and how long it can last in the refrigerator or freezer.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
If you’re not sure how to store turkey in the refrigerator, don’t worry—it’s really easy! You can wrap raw turkey pieces in Glad® Press’n Seal® and then store them in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEALTM Food Storage Quart Bags. Cold cut slices can be kept in a food storage bag; just make sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing it. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
While cold cuts can keep for up to five days in the refrigerator, raw turkey can only be kept there for 1-2 days. What is the shelf life of cooked turkey in the refrigerator? Leftover cooked turkey will typically keep for three to four days.
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How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
Can I keep an uncooked turkey in the fridge for a week?
How long can turkey stay in the refrigerator before it goes bad?
How long can turkey breast stay in the fridge uncooked?
Can you cook a thawed turkey after 5 days?
How long does uncooked Turkey last?
The shelf life of uncooked turkey depends on a few factors, including the type of turkey, the storage temperature, and the packaging. * Whole turkeys will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. * Boneless, skinless turkey breasts will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. * Ground turkey will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
How long can a thawed Turkey stay in the refrigerator?
How long can a thawed turkey remain in the refrigerator after thawing? It takes approximately 24 hours for every four to five pounds of whole turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking.
How long does Turkey last in the fridge?
Turkey can last between 1-4 days in the fridge depending on whether it was previously cooked or not. Food that is not properly stored in the fridge can quickly spoil and cause bacteria growth. That’s why it’s important to know how different long types of food will last in the fridge to keep you safe and away from food poisoning.
Can cooked turkey be refrigerated?
Cooked turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for four days if all guidelines are met. According to the USDA these guidelines are: If you won’t consume the turkey within four days after cooking, it’s best to freeze it to prolong its storage life. When reheating cooked turkey, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).