If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.
Preparing a raw turkey to roast for a holiday meal or family dinner takes some advance planning. An important consideration is proper storage – how long can you keep raw turkey in the refrigerator before cooking it? Follow these turkey storage times and tips to keep your bird fresh until you’re ready to roast.
How Many Days Can Raw Turkey be Refrigerated?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw whole turkeys can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days Raw turkey parts like breasts and drums can be kept for 3-4 days.
The fridge temperature should be maintained at 40°F or below to slow bacteria growth. Make sure to place the turkey on a plate or pan to prevent raw juices from dripping on other foods.
What is the Shelf Life of Thawed Raw Turkey?
A frozen turkey needs to be safely thawed before cooking A thawed raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1-2 days,
To thaw, leave the turkey wrapped and place it on a tray in the refrigerator. Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. A 16 lb turkey would take 4 days to thaw.
Once fully thawed, the raw turkey can sit in the fridge an additional 1-2 days before roasting.
Can You Refreeze a Thawed Raw Turkey?
Yes, it is safe to refreeze a thawed raw turkey if it was thawed correctly in the refrigerator and hasn’t been left in the fridge more than 1-2 days after defrosting.
Make sure to rewrap the turkey tightly in its original packaging or freezer wrap. Then return it to the freezer where it can be stored for 3-4 months.
Always discard or cook any turkey that was improperly thawed at room temperature within 1-2 days. Do not attempt to refreeze as bacteria may have grown.
Storing an Uncooked Turkey After Opening the Package
Sometimes you may need to open the packaging before you are ready to cook the turkey, such as to remove the giblets package. Here are some tips for safe storage after opening:
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Reseal the original packaging as tightly as possible. If it has been punctured, wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper.
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Transfer to an airtight container or heavy-duty zip top freezer bag. Press out excess air before sealing.
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Keep the turkey in the coldest part of the refrigerator, 40°F or below. Use an appliance thermometer to monitor.
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Cook within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and food safety. Do not store more than 2 days.
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Do not rinse or wash the raw turkey, this can spread bacteria. Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
Signs Your Raw Turkey Has Spoiled
Always inspect raw turkey before preparing your meal. If you notice any of the following, it is best to discard the turkey:
- Slimy or sticky texture and surface
- Unpleasant odor – rotten, sulfury or eggy smell
- Discoloration – graying, green or red tints
- Sour flavor when cooked
Do not taste or eat turkey with spoiled signs, it can cause food poisoning. When in doubt, throw it out.
Tips for Refrigerating Raw Turkey
Follow these simple guidelines for safely storing raw turkey in the refrigerator:
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Keep turkey in original packaging or wrap air-tight in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
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Place the turkey on a rimmed plate or pan to contain juices and prevent cross-contamination.
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Store on a fridge shelf rather than in the door, which tends to be warmer.
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Place near the back of the fridge where temperature is most consistent.
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Cook within recommended timeframe of 1-2 days maximim.
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Check the temperature with a fridge thermometer, ideal is 40°F or below.
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Do not overstuff the refrigerator, as this reduces air circulation.
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Wash hands after handling raw poultry before touching other foods.
Can You Freeze Raw Turkey?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of raw turkey if you don’t plan to use it within 1-2 days. Here are some freezing guidelines:
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Leave turkey in original cryovac packaging if possible. Or wrap very tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible.
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Label package with date and weight. Use oldest turkey first.
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Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Use a freezer thermometer to verify temperature.
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Once frozen, the turkey can be stored for 9-12 months in the freezer.
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Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 pounds.
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Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze thawed raw turkey.
Following these simple storage tips can help prevent wasting turkey and protect you and your family from food poisoning. Always inspect raw turkey for freshness and cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer. Enjoy your perfectly stored and prepared holiday turkey!
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.
Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
Can I keep an uncooked turkey in the fridge for a week?
Can a turkey sit in the fridge for 5 days?
How long does sealed raw turkey last in the fridge?
How far in advance can you buy a fresh turkey?
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.
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.
How long can you keep cooked turkey in the freezer?
You can keep cooked turkey in the freezer almost indefinitely, though, as microbial growth will stop when the food is frozen. When stored in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for best guidance: The tool notes that refrigerated, cooked turkey should be eaten within 4 days.
Can cooked turkey be refrigerated?
Cooked turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for four days if all guidelines are met. According to the USDA these guidelines are: If you won’t consume the turkey within four days after cooking, it’s best to freeze it to prolong its storage life. When reheating cooked turkey, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).