Although turkey is a crowd-pleaser, it can be a little tricky to store and prepare before any event because of how huge they are. Figuring out how long you can keep fresh turkey refrigerated will help you decide when it’s best to buy the turkey and maintain its freshness. So, how long can you keep fresh turkey refrigerated? We’ve got you covered!
As we approach the holiday season 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, I’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:
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Leave turkey in original airtight packaging if possible. Alternatively, tightly wrap in plastic wrap or foil.
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Portion turkey into usable sizes if freezing large birds.
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Use frozen turkey within recommended times:
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Whole turkey: 1 year
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Turkey pieces/ground: 9 months
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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.
What Is the Best Method to Store Long-Term?
Freezing is your go-to method if you want to store fresh or cooked turkey long-term. A properly handled turkey can last 6-12 months in the freezer. That’s one reason we always suggest to buying a turkey for your freezer after Thanksgiving to meal prep later.
The storing period can increase even more if the product is vacuum sealed! We love to use the Editable Freezer Labels {freebie printable} to make sure I know what is in each bag and the date I put it in my freezer. This also helps when I do a freezer inventory, there is no question how old is my food.
For fresh turkey parts, you can freeze them for up to 9 months. Ground turkey and giblets, on the other hand, last 3-4 months when kept in the freezer. The Freezer Tips 101 {freebie printables} guide you for all foods that you will freeze and the length of time best for each food.
PRO TIP: Both turkey parts and ground turkey have more surface area exposed to bacteria. That’s why they don’t keep as long as whole fresh turkey.
However, you should note that meat starts to lose its flavor and texture the longer you store it, so don’t wait too long or you will just have to toss it out.
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 cooking temperatures not only fully cook the turkey but also kill bacteria originally found in the food.
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 to freeze a fresh turkey part 1 | AMI Studios Chicago hunters
FAQ
Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for a week?
How far in advance can I buy a fresh turkey?
Can turkey last 5 days in fridge?
How long is fresh wild turkey good in the fridge?
How long does a Turkey last in the fridge?
So, if you plan to keep your turkey for over two days, it is best to freeze it. Raw turkey – whether fresh or frozen and then thawed – can last for up to 2 days inside the fridge once it is fully thawed. The whole raw turkey will last for 1 year, while raw turkey pieces will be good for up to 9 months in the freezer.
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 a fresh turkey last?
This is because younger turkeys have less fat and muscle, which means that they are more susceptible to spoilage. Generally speaking, fresh turkey will last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator, or 9-12 months in the freezer. Factors that affect the shelf life of fresh turkey The following factors can affect the shelf life of fresh turkey:
How long can you keep a thawed Turkey in the fridge?
A fully thawed turkey can keep in the fridge for up to two days. To thaw frozen turkey, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge several days before cooking it to allow for sufficient thawing time. After thawing frozen turkey, keep it refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F or below and use it within two days to ensure optimal freshness and safety.