Are you wondering, “How long does turkey bacon last?” and more importantly, how to keep turkey bacon fresh? We have the definite answers! The good news is that by following these techniques for storing raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon you can keep it fresh much longer.
Turkey bacon is another way to enjoy a bacon-like eating experience. Some people eat it because it has a lower fat content than traditional pork bacon.
Turkey bacon has fewer calories and grams of fat than regular pork bacon, but it’s still a processed meat product with an expiration date.
That’s why it’s important to know how long turkey bacon will last and how to store it without causing bacterial growth. This post will help you learn just that! Read on to discover how you can enjoy the crispy strips with your meals in the safest way possible.
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. However, like any meat product, it can spoil if not stored and handled properly. Knowing how to identify signs of spoilage is important to avoid consuming turkey bacon that could make you sick. This comprehensive guide outlines what to look for to determine if your turkey bacon has gone bad.
Check the Expiration Date
The first thing to check is the expiration or “use by” date printed on the turkey bacon package. This will give you an idea of how long the manufacturer guarantees the bacon will stay fresh. For unopened packages, turkey bacon lasts 1-2 weeks past this date when kept refrigerated. Once opened, it’s best to use within 7 days Discard any turkey bacon that is past its date.
Examine the Color
Fresh turkey bacon has a pink or pale red color. As it starts to spoil, the color fades and becomes brown, grey, or greenish. These dull, abnormal colors indicate the bacteria growth associated with spoilage. If you see these color changes on your turkey bacon, it is unsafe to eat.
Give it a Sniff
Your nose often knows when meat has gone bad. Fresh turkey bacon has a mild aroma. If you detect sour, ammonia, or rotten odors, that’s a red flag. Rancid-smelling turkey bacon should not be consumed and should be thrown away.
Feel the Texture
The texture of turkey bacon also changes distinctively when spoiled. Fresh turkey bacon feels smooth, moist, and a bit slippery. Bad turkey bacon develops a tacky, slimy, or sticky texture on the surface. This change in texture occurs as bacteria multiply. Discard any slimy turkey bacon.
Look for Mold
Mold is perhaps the most obvious sign of spoilage in turkey bacon. You may see fuzzy white, green, or blue mold growing on the surface. This mold indicates the turkey bacon is contaminated and should be discarded immediately. Do not attempt to salvage moldy turkey bacon.
Monitor After Defrosting
If frozen turkey bacon has been thawed, it’s especially important to check the smell, color, texture, and mold growth Defrosting can accelerate food spoilage Turkey bacon that has been thawed for over 2 days should not be refrozen and should be discarded if there are any signs of spoilage.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
If you are uncertain about the freshness of your turkey bacon, it is safest to just discard it. The risks associated with eating spoiled turkey bacon far outweigh trying to salvage questionable bacon. Don’t taste turkey bacon to determine if it has gone bad either. Following the proper storage times and looking for signs of spoilage are better ways to know if your turkey bacon is still good.
Knowing what to look for when determining if turkey bacon is spoiled can help you avoid accidentally consuming bad turkey bacon. Trust your senses, pay attention to dates, inspect carefully, and throw it out at the first signs of spoilage. With this guide, you can enjoy the unique taste of turkey bacon safely. Discard bad turkey bacon properly and replace it with a fresh package so you can keep enjoying it in your favorite recipes.
How to Know When Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad?
Begin by visually inspecting the turkey bacon. It should have a subtle pink color. If it has any hint of a gray or brown tint to the slices, discard it.
Next, try the smell test. Never use turkey bacon that has a sour smell.
Finally, perform a touch test. If it has a slimy texture, this means you have some bad bacon on your hands and it should be immediately disposed.
Making Cooked Bacon Last Longer
After cooking turkey bacon, drain the grease from it on a paper towel and cool to room temperature.
Once the leftover slices are cooled and drained, the easiest way to store it is to wrap individual servings in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. (Storing the bacon in individual servings is a good idea since it’ll make it easier to reheat as needed.)
Store the tightly-wrapped portions in a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag in the freezer for up to three months.
Is turkey bacon healthier than the regular stuff?
FAQ
How can you tell when turkey bacon is bad?
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Is turkey bacon bad if it turns brown?