On a brioche bun, put Hillshire Farm® Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo to make a classic crowd favorite. This is a lunch or dinner dish that people will want again and again. Serve it with chips and a pickle spear.
As a busy home chef, having delicious deli meat like Hillshire Farm turkey on hand can be a real timesaver. But how long does it actually last? Knowing the shelf life of Hillshire Farm turkey is key to avoiding food waste and potential safety issues.
In this comprehensive guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know to maximize the shelf life of Hillshire Farm turkey. including
- Shelf life of different Hillshire Farm turkey products
- Proper storage methods
- Signs of spoilage
- Food safety tips
Arm yourself with this knowledge so you can keep Hillshire Farm turkey on hand for quick sandwiches, wraps, and more!
An Overview of Hillshire Farm Turkey Products
Hillshire Farm offers a variety of convenient pre-packaged turkey products, including
- Smoked Turkey Breast
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Deli Sliced Turkey Breast
- Smoked Turkey Breast Slices
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Slices
Shelf life varies between these different products based on ingredients, preservatives, and processing methods.
How Long Does Hillshire Farm Turkey Last in the Fridge?
According to Hillshire Farm, properly stored, unopened Hillshire Farm turkey products last the following amounts of time in the refrigerator:
- Smoked Turkey Breast: 14 days
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: 14 days
- Deli Sliced Turkey Breast: 14 days
- Smoked Turkey Breast Slices: 14 days
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Slices: 14 days
Once opened, the clock starts ticking faster on freshness. Here’s how long Hillshire Farm says their turkey lasts after opening:
- Smoked Turkey Breast: 7 days
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: 7 days
- Deli Sliced Turkey Breast: 5-7 days
- Smoked Turkey Breast Slices: 5-7 days
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Slices: 5-7 days
The fridge life depends on proper storage, which we’ll get into next.
Storing Hillshire Farm Turkey for Maximum Freshness
To get the most shelf life out of your Hillshire Farm turkey, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate promptly: After purchasing, head straight home and refrigerate Hillshire Farm turkey. Don’t leave it sitting out.
- Seal it up: Always reseal packages tightly to prevent air exposure. Use clips if needed.
- Mind the temp: Store turkey on central fridge shelves, not in the door where temperatures fluctuate.
- Don’t double dip: Avoid contaminating sliced turkey by only removing what you’ll immediately eat.
- Use oldest first: Rotate stock and use oldest packages before newer ones.
Refrigerating at 40°F or below is ideal for slowing bacteria growth.
Freezing Hillshire Farm Turkey
For longer storage, Hillshire Farm turkey can be frozen up to 2 months past the printed “best by” date. Here are some freezing tips:
- Double wrap turkey in plastic wrap or freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn.
- Remove as much air as possible prior to sealing.
- Label packages with contents and freeze-by date.
- Use oldest frozen turkey first.
Thaw turkey overnight in the fridge before using. Some texture or flavor changes may occur after freezing.
How to Tell When Hillshire Farm Turkey is Bad
Despite proper storage, there comes a time when Hillshire Farm turkey has exceeded its prime. Rely on your senses to determine when to toss it:
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Color changes: Graying, oxidized turkey is past its prime.
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Sliminess: A sticky or slippery texture shows bacterial growth.
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Off odors: Trust your nose. Foul odors mean spoilage.
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Mold: Toss immediately at any sign of fuzzy mold.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled turkey.
Food Safety Tips for Handling Hillshire Farm Turkey
To safely enjoy Hillshire Farm turkey:
- Wash up: Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw turkey.
- Don’t cross-contaminate: Keep raw turkey away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook thoroughly: Heat deli meats to 165°F.
- Store sealed: Keep turkey sealed until ready to use.
- Watch the expiry: Consume by printed use-by dates.
Consult the USDA Food Safety guidelines for further food handling best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillshire Farm Turkey
Still have questions about how to store Hillshire Farm turkey? Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does Hillshire Farm turkey last after opening?
5-7 days is typical for refrigerated, opened Hillshire Farm turkey products.
Can you freeze Hillshire Farm turkey?
Yes, it can be frozen for 1-2 months beyond the printed date for best quality.
What is the shelf life of unopened Hillshire Farm turkey?
Most unopened Hillshire Farm turkey has a 14 day shelf life from the packaged date.
How can you tell if Hillshire Farm turkey has gone bad?
Look for changes in color, odor, sliminess, or mold growth to determine if Hillshire Farm turkey is spoiled.
Is it safe to eat Hillshire Farm turkey after the expiration date?
It’s not recommended to eat Hillshire Farm turkey past its use-by date. These dates indicate peak freshness and safety.
The Takeaway on Maximizing Hillshire Farm Turkey Freshness
With proper refrigerated storage, careful freezing, and food safety vigilance, you can enjoy Hillshire Farm turkey for sandwiches, wraps, and more before it expires. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage, follow safe handling tips, and consume turkey within 5-7 days of opening for best quality.
Knowing exactly how long Hillshire Farm turkey lasts empowers you to reduce food waste and safely enjoy the convenience of this popular deli product. Trust your senses, follow best practices, and rotate stock properly for maximum freshness.
More about this item
Experience the taste of a home-style meal on a sandwich with Hillshire Farm® Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast. Carefully crafted meals deserve high-quality ingredients. This recipe makes slices that are the right thickness and consistency, and the slow cooking keeps the flavor and freshness in.
- Enjoy the trust and recognition of the Hillshire Farm® brand.
- Easy slice separation reduces waste.
- Better portion control with pre-sliced product.
Turkey breast, turkey broth, dextrose, vinegar, modified corn starch, carrageenan, natural flavor, salt, sea salt, sodium nitrite, and sodium phosphate are some of the ingredients that make up this food.