Smoked turkey is a mouthwatering treat that can be enjoyed year-round. However proper storage is crucial to keep smoked turkey safe to eat. Knowing how long smoked turkey lasts in the refrigerator will ensure you can keep enjoying it without worrying about foodborne illness.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about refrigerating smoked turkey including
- Ideal refrigerator temperature
- Recommended storage times
- Proper packaging methods
- Signs of spoilage
- Safe serving tips
Follow these refrigerator storage guidelines and you’ll be able to keep your delicious smoked turkey fresh for days after purchasing or cooking
Proper Refrigerator Temperature
The first rule of storing smoked turkey is ensuring your refrigerator is cold enough. Smoked turkey needs to be kept at 40°F or below to slow bacteria growth.
To maintain a safe refrigerator temperature:
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Set the temperature dial to 40°F or the closest cold setting.
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Use a refrigerator thermometer and check it regularly.
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Avoid overpacking the fridge which can limit air circulation.
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Clean the coils every 3-6 months for maximum efficiency.
Keeping the refrigerator below 40°F creates an environment where smoked turkey can safely be stored for extended periods.
Recommended Storage Time
When properly refrigerated at 40°F or below, smoked turkey will maintain best quality for 3 to 4 days after cooking. After this time, it’s best to discard unused portions to avoid spoilage.
To get the full 3-4 days of fresh storage:
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Store turkey in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents drying out.
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Place turkey on lower shelves which tend to be coldest.
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Avoid cross-contaminating juices with produce or other foods.
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Discard turkey after 4 days – don’t risk eating spoiled turkey even if it looks okay.
Freezing extends smoked turkey storage to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge before using.
Proper Packaging
Along with refrigerator temperature, proper packaging helps maximize smoked turkey shelf life. Suggested storage methods include:
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Airtight containers or bags with all air pressed out
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Plastic wrap over a tray or plate
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Heavy duty aluminum foil tightly wrapped around turkey
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Turkey oven bags with air removed
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Smaller portioned packages to limit repeat openings
Proper packaging prevents dried out turkey and contains juices for safety.
Signs of Spoilage
Even when correctly stored, smoked turkey has a limited shelf life. Look for these signs that your turkey may have spoiled:
- Discoloration or graying of meat
- Slimy texture or layer on surface
- Foul odors like souring
- Weird streaks or unnatural spots
- Dry, tacky, or cracked meat
- Mold growth – discard immediately even if just spots
- Cloudy turkey juices
Don’t risk eating turkey with any signs of spoilage – “when in doubt, throw it out”.
Safe Handling
Once you’ve inspected the turkey and deemed it still fresh, follow these tips:
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Carve into thin slices to enable quick heating.
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Heat turkey to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer before eating.
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Add a bit of broth when reheating to prevent drying out.
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Avoid using the microwave which can create hot spots.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after serving.
Following proper storage times, temperatures, and packaging will ensure smoked turkey stays delicious and safe for 3-4 days. With the right techniques, you can safely enjoy smoked turkey as a ready-to-eat fridge item. Just be diligent with food safety practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about maximizing smoked turkey refrigerator life? Here are some commonly asked questions:
How long does unopened vacuum sealed smoked turkey last in the fridge?
7-10 days is typical but always verify packaging dates and inspect before use.
Should I repackage store-bought smoked turkey for the fridge?
Yes, rewrap in airtight materials for best results. Original packaging is often not sufficient.
Can I freeze smoked turkey after refrigerating?
Yes, freezing within the safe 3-4 day window allows enjoying for 2-3 months frozen.
Is it safe to eat refrigerated smoked turkey that still smells smoky?
Yes, smoked turkey retains a robust smoky smell when fresh. Rely on other signs like texture and appearance rather than just odor.
Properly storing and handling your leftover smoked turkey ensures you get the most out of it. Follow these refrigerator guidelines and you can safely enjoy your smoked turkey for days without needing to freeze it.
Enjoy Smoked Turkey Without the Hassle
While refrigerating your own smoked turkey is ideal for small batches, buying pre-cooked smoked turkey allows enjoying it anytime without the prep work. Companies like Mahogany Smoked Meats offer incredible mail-order smoked turkey ready to gently reheat and devour. With over a century of smoking expertise, their smoked turkeys deliver unparalleled depth of flavor in every bite!
Conclusion
Getting the longest safe refrigerator shelf life out of smoked turkey comes down to proper temperatures, storage times, and packaging. Refrigerate at 40°F or below, use airtight packaging, and discard after 3-4 days. Watch for signs of spoilage and don’t take risks with food safety. Follow these guidelines and you can safely enjoy your delicious smoked turkey for days without needing to freeze it.
Expert Q&ASearch
- Smoked turkey can make food in your fridge or freezer smell smoky. For extra protection, use a vacuum sealer when you wrap the turkey for storage.[10] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial
- Throw out smoked turkey that smells sour or feels slimy. Dont taste it to try to tell if its bad since its not worth the risk of getting sick. [11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Refrigerate or freeze the turkey within 2 hours of smoking it since leaving it at room temperature for longer than this causes bacteria to grow faster.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Putting Turkey in the Freezer
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1 Carve the turkey into portions and wrap each of them in plastic wrap. Cut large pieces of smoked turkey into smaller portions or slice the meat. Then, place the portions on plastic wrap and seal them closed. Get the turkey ready to freeze within 2 hours of smoking it so harmful bacteria doesnt grow.
- If you dont want to use plastic wrap, wrap the meat in butcher paper or freezer paper.
- Smaller portions of smoked turkey defrost faster than large portions, so divide the turkey if you want to save time. For example, wrap the legs in 1 portion and the sliced turkey breast in 2 separate portions.
- Dont freeze a whole smoked turkey since its difficult to safely thaw and reheat the bird.
- 2 Cover the plastic-wrapped turkey in aluminum foil. Tear off sheets of aluminum foil that are large enough to completely wrap around your turkey portions. Seal the edges closed to hold the plastic wrap in place and stop moisture from escaping as you freeze the turkey.[5]
- Wrapping the smoked turkey in several layers also protects the meat from freezer burn.
- 3 Place the wrapped turkey into a freezer bag and label it. Squeeze the air out of the freezer bag before you seal it shut and then write whats in the bag and the date on the outside. The bag gives an extra layer of protection and prevents the turkey from making other things in your freezer smell smoky.[6]
- For example, write, “2 pounds (0.91 kg) sliced, smoked turkey, 7/7/20.”
- 4 Freeze the smoked turkey for up to 4 months. Although frozen turkey keeps indefinitely, youll get the best texture if you use it within 4 months of putting it in the freezer.[7]
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