If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are getting ready to cook up a delicious turkey feast. But when should you buy your bird and how long can you keep it in the fridge before cooking? Here’s a complete guide to storing turkey safely so you can avoid foodborne illness and enjoy perfect holiday meals.
Overview of Proper Turkey Storage
In general, raw or cooked turkey should only be stored in the refrigerator for a limited time to prevent bacterial growth. Here are the recommended fridge storage times:
- Whole Raw Turkey – 1 to 2 days max
- Raw Turkey Pieces – 1 to 2 days
- Cooked Turkey Meat – 3 to 4 days
- Turkey Deli Meat – 5 to 7 days
Always store turkey in airtight packaging or containers. Keep the temperature at 40°F or below. Cook or freeze the turkey within the recommended times.
How Long Does a Thawed Turkey Last in the Fridge?
If you thawed a frozen turkey, it should only be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking. After 2 days the quality and taste can diminish quickly. For longer storage refreeze the turkey or cook it immediately.
When thawing a turkey, allow about 24 hours per 4-5 pounds in the refrigerator. Make sure the turkey stays in a sealed leak-proof bag on a tray to catch any juices and prevent cross-contamination. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
Can You Refrigerate a Fresh Store-Bought Turkey for 10 Days?
Some fresh turkeys may have sell-by dates allowing 10 days of refrigeration. However, most experts only recommend keeping fresh raw turkey in the fridge for 1 to 2 days maximum
Even if the turkey was semi-frozen during transport from the supplier, extended storage gives bacteria a chance to grow and make you sick. Don’t rely on what the store tells you. Play it safe and cook or freeze the turkey within 1-2 days.
Does Brining Extend How Long Turkey Lasts in the Fridge?
Brining does help flavor and preserve turkey, but it does not make it last longer in the fridge. A brined turkey still needs to be cooked within the recommended 1 to 2 days for optimal quality and food safety.
You can safely brine turkey for up to 2 days before cooking. Make sure you thoroughly rinse the brine off and pat the turkey dry first. The salt in the brine only slows bacteria down slightly, it does not kill the germs or prevent spoilage after a couple days.
Storing Turkey in the Freezer vs. Fridge
For long-term storage, the freezer is the best place for raw turkey. In the freezer set at 0°F, turkey can safely keep for months. Here’s how long turkey lasts in the freezer:
- Whole Raw Turkey – 1 Year
- Raw Turkey Pieces – 9 Months
- Cooked Turkey Meat – 4 Months
To freeze turkey, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bags. Make sure no air remains inside. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.
The fridge preserves turkey for a much shorter time. But proper refrigeration is vital to slowing the growth of bacteria. Keep your fridge temp at 40°F and use an appliance thermometer to monitor.
How to Know if Turkey Has Gone Bad in the Fridge
Relying on sight, smell and touch can help you determine if raw or cooked turkey has spoiled in the fridge. Signs of spoiled turkey include:
- Slimy texture or sticky surface
- Grey, green or black color
- Strong, unpleasant sour or ammonia odor
- Mold growth
If turkey develops a rancid or rotten smell, or has other signs of spoilage, throw it out. Don’t taste meat that you suspect has gone bad. Don’t risk getting extremely sick from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli.
Storing Cooked Turkey Leftovers
Leftover turkey from a holiday feast can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Here are some storage tips:
- Carve turkey off the bones before refrigerating.
- Use shallow containers and limit depth to 2-3 inches.
- Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap if not using a container.
- Don’t overstuff the fridge, air needs to circulate.
- Place leftovers on lower shelves where it’s coldest.
After reheating leftovers, eat within 3-4 days. Don’t reheat turkey more than once. Freeze any turkey you won’t eat quickly for longer storage.
Can You Eat Turkey After the Sell-by or Use-by Date?
The printed sell-by or use-by dates on fresh turkey are simply guidelines for peak quality, not indicators of food safety. But don’t go much beyond the date on the package because the turkey will decline in freshness and taste.
Ultimately, you need to look for visible signs of spoilage and dangerous bacterial growth – foul odors, sliminess or discoloration. Adhere to the recommended 1 to 2 day fridge storage limits for raw turkey regardless of any dates printed on the packaging.
Safely Thawing a Frozen Turkey
Never thaw turkey at room temperature or in hot water. Thaw frozen turkey only in the refrigerator. Here are some thawing guidelines:
- Whole Turkey – Allow 24 hours per 4-5 lbs turkey
- Turkey Breast – Allow 6 hours per lb
- Turkey Pieces – Allow 4 hours per lb
Keep the turkey in the original airtight packaging or place inside a leak-proof plastic bag on a rimmed pan or tray to catch any drips as it thaws. Change the tray as needed if juices accumulate. Cook immediately after thawing completes.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Turkey?
Previously frozen turkey that has been properly thawed in the fridge can be refrozen safely if you don’t plan to cook it within 1-2 days. But the quality won’t be as good. Refreezing causes the moisture in the meat to re-form ice crystals, damaging the structure and texture.
Only refreeze thawed turkey if absolutely necessary. Cook thawed turkey as soon as possible for the best results. Any thawed turkey that was left out at room temperature for over 2 hours should be discarded.
Key Takeaways on Storing Turkey
- Fresh raw turkey only lasts 1-2 days in the fridge. Don’t keep longer even if the package says it’s okay.
- A thawed turkey lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator before cooking needed.
- Cooked turkey keeps 3-4 days in the fridge.
- The freezer preserves turkey for months.
- Look for signs of spoilage like odor, color and slime if unsure if turkey is still fresh.
- Don’t take chances with poultry! Discard turkey with any signs of spoilage.
Storing turkey properly, whether it’s raw or cooked, whole or sliced, is vital for your health. Follow these turkey fridge and freezer storage guidelines. If you have any doubts about the safety or quality of your turkey meat, throw it out. Don’t risk getting extremely sick from harmful bacteria. Stay safe so you can enjoy delicious turkey!
Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.
Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
An uncooked turkey can last in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, it’s best to freeze it, where it can last for several months. Always make sure the turkey is stored in its original packaging or wrapped tightly to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
How long can you keep thawed turkey in the fridge?
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
Is turkey still good after 7 days in fridge?
- Safe timeframe: 3-4 days in the fridge
- Signs of spoilage: Unpleasant smell, slimy texture
- For longer storage: Freeze leftover turkey within a few days for later use.
How long can you refrigerate a whole uncooked turkey?
| Food | Type | Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below] |
|---|---|---|
| Ham | Prosciutto, Parma or Serrano ham, dry Italian or Spanish type, cut | 2 to 3 months |
| Fresh poultry | Chicken or turkey, whole | 1 to 2 days |
| Chicken or turkey, pieces | 1 to 2 days | |
| Fin Fish | Fatty Fish (bluefish, catfish, mackerel, mullet, salmon, tuna, etc.) | 1 – 3 Days |
Can You Refrigerate a Turkey?
To store a fresh turkey in the refrigerator, place it in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. Make sure the temperature in your refrigerator is consistently set at or below 40°F (4°C). 2. Can I leave the turkey on the counter to defrost? No, it is not safe to defrost a turkey on the counter.
Do eggs from home-raised chickens need to be refrigerated?
Home-raised chickens eggs should be refrigerated once they are free of feathers and poop. Although, unwashed eggs with cuticles intact can safely be stored at room temperature, but, refrigerating them will help them last longer; about 5 or 6 weeks.
How long can you keep a thawed Turkey in the fridge?
In conclusion, a thawed turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days before it should be cooked or frozen. Remember to always prioritize food safety and adhere to proper storage guidelines to ensure the best quality and taste for your Thanksgiving feast or any other occasion when you enjoy a delicious turkey meal.
How long does raw turkey last in the fridge?
Raw turkey lasts 1-2 days in the fridge when properly stored Keep the turkey in its original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil Place on a plate or in a container to catch any juices that may drip, Store raw turkey on the bottom shelf of the fridge at 40°F or below. Keeping it cold prevents bacterial growth.
How long does cooked turkey last in freezer?
You can keep cooked turkey in the freezer up to a year, though, as microbial growth will stop when the food is frozen. How Long Does Cooked Turkey Last in Fridge or Freezer? When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long.
How do you store a fresh turkey?
1. How should I store a fresh turkey in the refrigerator? To store a fresh turkey in the refrigerator, place it in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. Make sure the temperature in your refrigerator is consistently set at or below 40°F (4°C).