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.
Planning for the big Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner typically involves getting an uncooked turkey and keeping it in the refrigerator until it’s time to cook. But how long can you safely store raw turkey before cooking it? Here’s a comprehensive guide to maximizing your turkey’s shelf life and keeping it fresh until holiday meal prep.
Overview of Raw Turkey Storage
An uncooked whole turkey can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 days after thawing according to USDA guidelines. However for optimum freshness and food safety, it’s best to cook thawed turkey within 24 hours. Raw turkey parts like breasts and drumsticks can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days as well.
Proper storage is key – keep the raw turkey in its original airtight packaging or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it on a tray or plate to prevent leaks and contamination of other foods. Store on a shelf rather than in the door where the temperature fluctuates.
Make sure your refrigerator is consistently 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to verify the temperature where you plan to store the turkey. The colder, the better for maximizing shelf life.
Factors Affecting Raw Turkey Fridge Life
How long an uncooked turkey lasts in the fridge depends on several factors
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Type of turkey – Whole turkeys last longer than parts. Kosher turkeys that have been salted can last up to 5-7 days.
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Thawing method – Turkeys thawed in the refrigerator keep longer than ones thawed at room temp. Don’t refreeze thawed raw turkey.
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Proper temperature – Consistent fridge temps at 40°F or below extend shelf life. Keep turkey on a bottom shelf.
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Original packaging – Keeping turkey in airtight original packaging prevents premature spoilage.
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Turkey size – Smaller turkeys last longer in the fridge than large ones. Plan accordingly.
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Expiration dates – Don’t rely on sell-by/use-by dates. Cook within 1-2 days of refrigerator thawing.
Maximizing Shelf Life
To get the most fridge life out of raw turkey:
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Buy turkey 1-2 days before cooking to limit storage time.
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Check temperature with thermometer to ensure fridge is 40°F or colder.
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Keep turkey in original airtight packaging. Place on tray to catch leaks.
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Store turkey on a bottom shelf, away from warmer door area.
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Rinse turkey just before cooking to remove bacteria. Don’t wash it early.
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Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days for safety and quality. Don’t refreeze.
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Set fridge to coldest setting. Avoid opening the door frequently.
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Use turkey within 1 day if refrigerator thawing took 2+ days.
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Separate raw turkey from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Signs Turkey Has Spoiled
Raw turkey that has gone bad typically has an off odor, slimy texture, or discoloration. Never taste meat to determine if it’s safe! Discard turkey if it shows any of the following signs:
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Strong, unpleasant turkey odor
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Grayish, greenish, or blue-ish tint to the meat
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Slimy or tacky feel
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Dull, faded coloration
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Mold or mildew growth on surface
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Dry, brown edges
Trust your senses – if turkey smells bad, looks bad, or feels bad, don’t risk eating it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Food Safety Tips
To keep your holiday guests healthy, follow food safety practices when handling, prepping, and storing raw turkey:
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Refrigerate promptly: Cook or freeze turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing.
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Thaw safely: Thaw turkey in the fridge, not at room temperature.
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Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw turkey sealed and separate from other foods.
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Cook thoroughly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey reaches 165°F.
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Refrigerate leftovers: Carve turkey and refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours.
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Reheat properly: Heat leftovers to 165°F. Do not eat cold turkey.
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When in doubt, toss it out: Discard turkey that smells, looks, or feels bad.
Following proper refrigerator storage times, monitoring temperatures, and practicing food safety habits will ensure your holiday turkey stays fresh and your family stays healthy when serving this popular seasonal centerpiece!
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.
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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How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
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