After all of the time and preparation of cooking a turkey, most of us can’t wait until the moment we can take the bird out of the oven with its wonderful aromas and crisp golden-brown skin. And everyone wants to be sure to save the leftovers (there always are some) for turkey soup. How can you be sure your leftovers are safe?
A turkey can sit out for a maximum of two hours in the temperature danger zone of 40 to 140 degrees F. If the room temperature is above 90 degrees, limit the time that turkey sits out to only one hour. After that time, it must be put away in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria on the surface.
Before you let your cooked turkey sit out in the temperature danger zone for too long, read on to learn about food safety and how to safely store your delicious leftovers.
Leaving a turkey out overnight is a time-honored tradition for many families preparing their holiday meal. However, food safety experts advise against this practice as it can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illness. Here is a definitive guide on whether you can leave turkey out overnight and how to properly thaw your bird.
The Dangers of Leaving Turkey Out
According to the USDA, raw poultry should never sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if temperatures exceed 90°F). This is because bacteria multiply rapidly between 40-140°F. Leaving a turkey out overnight exposes the meat to these unsafe temperatures for too long allowing pathogens like salmonella to potentially grow to dangerous levels.
While some people may have gotten away with leaving a turkey out in the past modern turkeys are much larger, taking longer to thaw. This extended time at unsafe temperatures poses a greater risk than with smaller birds. Consuming undercooked or contaminated poultry can cause food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea vomiting, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, it can even result in hospitalization or death.
Proper Thawing Guidelines
To prevent foodborne illness never thaw a turkey at room temperature. The USDA and food safety experts like Butterball recommend two safe methods thawing in the refrigerator or in cold water.
Refrigerator Thawing
This passive approach simply involves placing the wrapped turkey breast-side up on a tray in the fridge. Allow 1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds. So a 16 lb turkey would require 4 days in the fridge. Cook within 1-2 days of thawing.
Cold Water Thawing
Submerge the wrapped turkey in a sink or pot of cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes thawing time per pound. A 16 lb turkey would need 8 hours in cold water. Cook immediately after thawing is complete.
Freezer Storage Tips
Proper freezing is key to keeping a turkey safe until you are ready to thaw and cook it. Here are some tips:
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Freeze the turkey no more than 2 days after purchasing it.
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Use freezer-safe packaging like plastic freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible.
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Portion the turkey in smaller packets if you don’t plan to cook it all at once.
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Label packages with contents and freeze-by date (turkeys keep 9-12 months in a 0°F freezer before quality declines).
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Once thawed, do not refreeze. Cook within the timeframe guidelines above.
What If a Turkey is Left Out Too Long?
If you find that your frozen turkey has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or over 1 hour above 90°F), it is not safe to cook. The bacteria count may have reached unsafe levels. You will have to discard the turkey.
To avoid this scenario, carefully monitor thawing times and temperatures. Make sure everyone in the household knows the thawing plan. Set phone alerts if needed. Never leave the fate of your holiday centerpiece to chance.
Key Takeaways
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Never thaw a turkey on the counter overnight. This allows bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels.
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Safe thawing methods are in the refrigerator (1 day per 4 lbs) or in cold water (30 min per 1 lb), changing water every 30 min.
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Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze after thawing.
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Discard turkey if left out more than 2 hrs above 40°F (1 hr above 90°F).
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Properly freezing and thawing your turkey is crucial for a safe and delicious holiday meal.
By understanding the risks and following proper turkey handling guidelines, you can keep your family safe and enjoy your holiday feast. The extra diligence is a small effort compared to a nasty case of food poisoning. So make sure to keep that turkey chilled right up until it goes into the oven!
Frequency of Entities:
Turkey: 23
Refrigerator: 5
Water: 5
Bacteria: 4
Thaw: 10
Room Temperature: 4
Overnight: 6
USDA: 3
Foodborne Illness: 2
Food Safety: 3
Frozen: 5
Cook: 4
Can I Freeze Cooked Turkey Leftovers?
If you want to freeze the cooked turkey leftovers, you have six months to eat them. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the meat in foil and put it in a freezer bag with the air squeezed out.
When you are ready to thaw out the frozen cooked turkey, place it in the fridge. Do not thaw it out on the counter.
You can reheat turkey directly from frozen. It will take longer than if the turkey was thawed, and it is very important to still check the temperature with a thermometer before eating. Again, you should have stored the leftovers in small portions for effective reheating.
Before Handling Leftovers, Wash Your Hands Properly
After handling raw turkey, take care to wash your hands thoroughly and correctly so that leftover bacteria do not have any hiding places. That way, bacteria cannot be transferred onto anything else. You might be surprised to learn about the mechanics behind washing your hands with soap.
The friction of rubbing your hands together helps to lift dirt and germs off the surface of your skin. So, don’t skim on that part.
Make sure to lather both the fronts and backs of your hands and to scrub between your fingers and fingernails. It should take at least 20 seconds to do all this thoroughly.
Shockingly, many studies have been done on the effectiveness of regular soap and “antimicrobial” soap that show that the antimicrobial version is not any more effective than regular!
If you are interested in chemistry, get some details on the nitty-gritty here. But suffice it to say that this step of proper handwashing will prevent the spread of harmful bacteria on your leftovers.
Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight?
FAQ
Is it safe to leave a turkey out overnight?
Can I leave cooked turkey out overnight?
How long can raw turkey be left out at room temperature?
Can I leave my turkey in the garage overnight?
Can you leave Turkey out overnight?
Turkey is a perishable food and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Leaving turkey out overnight can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Refrigerate turkey in a covered container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Turkey can also be frozen for up to two months. Can I Leave Turkey Out Overnight?
Should you leave a Turkey out before Thanksgiving?
Although the common practice is to leave the turkey out to thaw throughout the night before Thanksgiving, food safety experts discourage the technique as it can encourage the growth of dangerous microbes. Here’s why. Here’s why you should leave a coin in the freezer before leaving the house!
Can Turkey thaw overnight?
Keep the platter inside the refrigerator for thawing. If the turkey is just 2 pounds, it can thaw overnight. You require a plate or container to catch the fluids released from the turkey while thawing. If there are any herbs and seasonings added to the turkey, thawing time might be longer.
What happens if Turkey is left out at room temperature?
When turkey is left out at room temperature, it will start to spoil. The meat will become slimy and discolored, and it will develop an unpleasant odor. Spoiled turkey is not safe to eat, and it can cause food poisoning. Drying out of the meat. When turkey is left out at room temperature, it will lose moisture and become dry.