To tell if turkey bacon is bad, you will notice a change in color. Fresh turkey bacon is a light pink color. If it turns brown or gray, it’s probably going bad.
There may even be blue or green tones, which are a clear sign that the turkey bacon has mold and needs to be thrown away right away. In addition to color, you should also pay attention to the smell and texture of the turkey bacon.
If you’re a fan of turkey bacon, you know how delicious it can be. But like any food, it can go bad. Knowing how to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad is important to avoid getting sick.
I’m going to talk about some ways to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad and what to do if you think it has.
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon But some people are put off when they open a pack of turkey bacon to find it coated in a glossy, slimy film This slippery texture can seem unappetizing and make people wonder – is turkey bacon really supposed to be so slimy?
As a healthy eating blogger always looking for tasty bacon alternatives, I decided to get to the bottom of why turkey bacon is often so uniquely slick and sticky. Here’s a look at the reasons behind this vegetarian-friendly bacon’s unusual texture.
The Appeal of Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon became widely available in the 1980s and has grown in popularity since as a substitute for regular bacon made from pork. The main advantages of choosing turkey bacon are:
-
Lower in fat and calories – Turkey meat is naturally leaner than pork Turkey bacon packs about half the calories and fat as pork bacon per ounce
-
Healthier fat composition – Turkey contains healthier unsaturated fats compared to pork’s high saturated fat content.
-
Higher protein – Turkey bacon typically has a few extra grams of protein per serving compared to pork
-
Milder flavor – The taste of turkey bacon is less smoky, salty, and savory, making it more subtle and palatable for some.
-
Religious restrictions – Turkey bacon allows people who avoid pork for religious reasons to still enjoy “bacon” flavor.
For these reasons, turkey bacon emerged as a promising alternative to regular bacon, especially among health conscious consumers. But its puzzling sliminess almost seems antithetical to crispy, porky bacon. What causes this slick texture?
Why Turkey Bacon is Slimy
When raw turkey bacon is handled, it’s common to notice a sort of slimy film on the surface. There are two primary reasons for this:
-
Brining process – Most turkey bacon is wet brined or cured in a salt and sugar water solution. This process hydrates the meat and leaves a tacky surface residue.
-
Added binders/fillers – Manufacturers often add hydrocolloid binders like carageenan to turkey bacon to add moisture and bind the product. These create gel-like slime.
Additionally, the process of cutting turkey into thin bacon slices releases moisture and proteins, increasing the slimy texture. The high protein and moisture content of turkey combined with these processing factors results in the uniquely slick and sticky consistency.
Is The Sliminess Harmful?
While visually unappealing, the glossy sliminess of raw turkey bacon is completely harmless. The hydrated proteins, water, and small amounts of binders used to make it are not unsafe to eat.
The slime consists of:
- Water-soluble proteins naturally present in turkey meat
- Moisture absorbed during brining/curing
- Trace amounts of non-toxic binder additives
So while it may look strange, the slippery sheen on turkey bacon is no cause for health concern and can be safely cooked and consumed. It’s just an inherent part of the product’s physical makeup.
Does it Affect Cooking and Taste?
The slimy texture only affects the raw bacon’s appearance – it does not impact cooking performance or taste.
When cooked, turkey bacon becomes pleasantly crispy with a chewy meaty bite just like pork bacon. The slime dissolves away during heating as moisture evaporates from the bacon.
Flavors like salt, sweetness, smokiness, and savory umami still come through despite the raw sliminess. Overall taste and mouthfeel after cooking are very similar to regular bacon.
So the pre-cooked slimy slick on the turkey bacon can simply be dismissed as harmless extra moisture content. It won’t deter the flavor or enjoyment of the finished crispy cooked product.
Tips for Handling the Sliminess
If you find the texture of raw turkey bacon unappealing, here are some tips for dealing with it:
- Blot turky bacon with paper towels before cooking to absorb excess moisture
- Lightly coat hands and cooking surface with oil to minimize sticking
- Cook turkey bacon at higher heat to quickly evaporate the slime
- Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to soak up residual moisture
- Pat cooked turkey bacon dry to prevent a slimy texture on the final food item
With a few minor adjustments, you can minimize contact with the slippery slime and end up with delicious crispy turkey bacon ready for any recipe!
Is Turkey Bacon Right for You?
Despite its off-putting slimy appearance, turkey bacon can be a great lower-fat, lower-sodium alternative to regular bacon for those looking to cut calories or avoid pork. When handled properly and cooked, the slime disappears and you’re left with a tasty cooked product.
If the raw sliminess is too unappealing, you can seek out other bacon alternatives like beef bacon, mushroom bacon, or tempeh bacon that may have less moisture content.
But for an easy swap for traditional bacon in recipes, turkey bacon is a slimy-yet-harmless option that cooks up satisfyingly crispy. So don’t let the gooey raw texture prevent you from giving it a try. Embrace the slime and enjoy the savory flavor of turkey bacon!
How To Tell If Turkey Bacon Is Bad
When you buy turkey bacon, it is important to check the expiration date before purchasing. If the expiration date is approaching or has passed, it is best to avoid buying it.
Once you have purchased the turkey bacon, check the packaging for any signs of damage or punctures. If the turkey bacon is still in its original package and before its expiration date, you can be sure that it is still fresh.
If you have cooked turkey bacon, you should check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.
Spoiled turkey bacon will have a sour smell and may have a slimy texture. If the turkey bacon has any discoloration or an off odor, it is best to discard it.
If you have leftover turkey bacon, it is important to store it properly to prevent spoilage.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days.
If you have frozen turkey bacon, check for freezer burn before consuming it.
Freezer burn happens when turkey bacon is left out in the air in the freezer, which dries it out and changes its color.
If the turkey bacon looks like it’s been frozen, like if it’s white or gray, you can still eat it, but it won’t taste good.
If you follow these tips, you can be sure that your turkey bacon is safe to eat and avoid getting any food-borne illnesses.
When Does Turkey Bacon Begin To Spoil?
Raw turkey bacon typically has a shelf life of 7-14 days in the refrigerator, after being opened.
However, this can vary depending on factors such as the sell-by date, packaging, and storage conditions. So, check the expiration date and use-by date.
It could mean that your turkey bacon has gone bad if it turns brown or gray.
Once you see any changes in color, like blue or green spots, you know the bacon has gone bad and needs to be thrown away right away.
If your turkey bacon has a bad odor, it is a clear indication that it has gone bad.
It is important to trust your nose when deciding if your bacon is still safe to eat. A rancid or sour smell is often a sign of spoilage.
It’s clear that your turkey bacon has gone bad if it feels slimy or sticky when you touch it. Often, this is caused by too much water, which can help bacteria and other harmful microorganisms grow.
Keep in mind that lactic acid bacteria, which are not harmful to people, often live in raw meat. However, if these bacteria are allowed to multiply, they can eventually lead to spoilage and food poisoning.
To keep your turkey bacon fresh, put it in the fridge in its original packaging or wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Vacuum-sealed or zip lock bags are also an option for longer storage periods.
Leave it in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water, when thawing your turkey bacon. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.
It is important to follow the right handling and cooking steps when cooking your turkey bacon to make sure it is safe to eat. Clean your hands and any surfaces you touch with raw meat after handling it. Cook the bacon until it is soft and bendable.
In the end, if you think your turkey bacon has gone bad, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it away right away.