A lot of people like turkey, but because they are so big, it can be hard to store and prepare before an event. Finding out how long a fresh turkey can stay in the fridge will help you choose the best time to buy it and keep it fresh. So, how long can you keep fresh turkey refrigerated? We’ve got you covered!.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are planning to cook a fresh turkey for celebrations with family and friends. But an important question arises – how long can you safely store fresh turkey in the refrigerator before cooking it? Knowing the refrigerator life of fresh turkey ensures you serve up a delicious and safe meal.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fresh turkey refrigerator life. We’ll look at:
- How long raw turkey lasts in the fridge
- What affects fresh turkey’s fridge life
- Signs your turkey has gone bad
- Cooked turkey refrigerator times
- Storing turkey leftovers
- Freezing raw turkey
- Thawing frozen turkeys
Let’s get started!
How Long Does Raw Turkey Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of fresh raw turkey depends on a few factors which we’ll cover shortly But in general, here is how long fresh turkey lasts in the refrigerator
- Whole turkey: 1 to 2 days
- Turkey parts/pieces: 1 to 2 days
- Ground turkey: 1 to 2 days
- Turkey cold cuts: 3 to 5 days
The USDA recommends using fresh raw turkey within 1-2 days for safety. If you can’t cook your fresh turkey within this timeframe it’s best to freeze it. Frozen raw turkey lasts significantly longer.
Frozen whole turkeys can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. Raw turkey pieces or ground turkey last up to 9 months frozen.
Factors Affecting Fresh Turkey’s Fridge Life
How long fresh turkey lasts in the fridge depends on a few key factors:
-
Storage Temperature – Temperature is the most important factor Turkey must be stored at 40°F or below The colder your refrigerator, the longer the turkey will last. Keep turkey on the bottom shelf or in the meat compartment as these are the coldest spots.
-
Turkey Quality – Higher quality fresh turkey will generally last longer. Look for turkeys that appear plump with smooth, moist skin and no discoloration or odor.
-
Packaging – Turkey packed in airtight, vacuum-sealed packaging helps preserve freshness. Re-wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap or foil if opened.
Signs Your Turkey Has Gone Bad
Check your turkey for these signs of spoilage before cooking:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Grayish or greenish discoloration
- Off odors like spoiled milk or rotten eggs
If your fresh turkey shows these signs, it has gone bad and should be discarded. Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled turkey – when in doubt, throw it out.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last?
Cooked turkey stored properly in the fridge lasts for 3 to 4 days. Be sure to carve turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Then seal and refrigerate leftovers in shallow airtight containers.
Reheat cooked turkey to 165°F. Discard any turkey leftovers after 4 days – don’t risk eating spoiled food.
Storing Leftover Turkey
For short term storage, carve turkey and refrigerate in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
For longer term storage, freeze leftovers in airtight containers or bags. Label packages with dates. Frozen turkey leftovers stay good for 2 to 6 months.
Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator, never on the counter or in hot water. Reheat fully to 165°F before serving.
Freezing Raw Turkey
Freezing keeps raw turkey safe for extended periods. Here are some freezing tips:
-
Leave turkey in original airtight packaging if possible. Alternatively, tightly wrap in plastic wrap or foil.
-
Portion turkey into usable sizes if freezing large birds.
-
Use frozen turkey within recommended times:
- Whole turkey: 1 year
- Turkey pieces/ground: 9 months
Safely Thawing Frozen Turkey
Always thaw turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs. A 20 lb turkey needs 4 to 5 days to thaw.
Thaw in cold water if short on time, changing water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
Microwave thawing is fastest but can lead to uneven cooking. Check internal temp with a meat thermometer. Cook to 165°F.
The Takeaway
With proper refrigerator storage, fresh raw turkey can safely last 1-2 days before cooking or freezing. Cooked turkey keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Monitor temperature, packaging, and signs of spoilage closely. Freeze turkey for long term storage. Thaw frozen turkey slowly and safely in the fridge.
Following these fresh turkey refrigerator storage times and tips will ensure you serve up a delicious, safe Thanksgiving turkey meal. Trust your senses – if in doubt, throw it out. Stay food safe this holiday season!
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Turkey Refrigerated?
You can keep cooked turkey at 40ºF or lower anywhere between three to four days in the fridge. Any longer than that, and the turkey might spoil. As you can tell, cooked turkey lasts longer than fresh turkey.
The high temperatures not only cook the turkey all the way through, but they also kill any bacteria that were in the food to begin with.
For those that want the down and dirty science of it all – the heat won’t make your leftovers immune to harmful germs. Pathogenic bacteria in the air can still contaminate the food, causing food-borne illnesses.
These organisms are tricky to detect because, generally, pathogenic bacteria won’t affect the appearance, smell, or taste of the turkey. That’s how people get food poisoning and always say, “but it didn’t taste bad.”
How Long Can You Keep Fresh Turkey Refrigerated?
You can keep fresh turkey, turkey cutlets, and giblets for one to two days in the fridge. That’s as long as the refrigerated temperature is at least 40ºF.
That said, the storage period would depend on whether or not you’ve safely handled the turkey during your trip home.
For instance, you shouldn’t keep fresh turkey in a hot car for more than 30 minutes. Otherwise, you risk the multiplication of harmful bacteria even before refrigerating it.
Generally, raw meat, like turkey, is a highly perishable food. While 30 minutes isn’t long enough for the turkey to show visible spoilage signs, some bacteria can reproduce within as little as 4 minutes and produce harmful toxins.
Sure, oven temperatures around 165ºF and above are enough to kill bacteria, but that won’t affect the toxins.
PRO TIP: It’s best to bring the cooler full of ice on the day of pickup so that bacteria doesn’t grow.
How long will a whole turkey keep in a refrigerator?
FAQ
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
How far in advance can you buy a fresh turkey?
Can turkey last 5 days in the fridge?
How long is fresh wild turkey good in the fridge?
How long does fresh turkey last in the fridge?
The shelf life of fresh raw turkey depends on a few factors which we’ll cover shortly. But in general, here is how long fresh turkey lasts in the refrigerator: The USDA recommends using fresh raw turkey within 1-2 days for safety. If you can’t cook your fresh turkey within this timeframe it’s best to freeze it.
How to store a fresh turkey in the fridge?
It is crucial to ensure the turkey is stored at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its quality for as long as possible. Now that we’ve provided you with the answer, let’s explore some frequently asked questions related to storing a fresh turkey in the fridge. 1. How should I store a fresh turkey in the fridge?
What temperature should a Turkey be kept in the fridge?
A colder temperature can help fresh turkey last longer. The ideal temperature for storing a fresh turkey in the refrigerator is 40°F (4°C) or below. This temperature is out of the “danger zone” so harmful bacteria responsible for foodborne illness will not multiply rapidly or cause food spoilage.
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.
Can You Refrigerate a frozen turkey?
Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator, never on the counter or in hot water. Reheat fully to 165°F before serving. Freezing keeps raw turkey safe for extended periods. Here are some freezing tips: Leave turkey in original airtight packaging if possible. Alternatively, tightly wrap in plastic wrap or foil.
How long should turkey thighs be refrigerated?
The storage time recommendations generally apply to the whole turkey. However, turkey parts, such as breasts or thighs, may have a shorter storage time. It’s advisable to consume them within 1-2 days when refrigerated. 10.