Boar’s Head is one of the most popular deli turkey brands in the US Their premium deli meats are known for their high quality and great taste, But a common question many folks have is – how long does an opened package of Boar’s Head turkey last in the fridge?
I did extensive research on Boar’s Head turkey’s shelf life, storage tips, and signs of spoilage. In this complete guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to keep your Boar’s Head turkey fresh and safe to eat.
The Short Answer
An opened package of Boar’s Head oven roasted turkey lasts 3-5 days in the fridge. To maximize freshness, store it tightly wrapped in the coldest part of your fridge at 40°F or below. Some good spots are the bottom shelf or meat drawer.
Factors Affecting Deli Meat Freshness
Several factors influence how long deli turkey stays fresh after opening
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Packaging: Pre-sliced, pre-packaged deli meat has a shorter fridge life than freshly sliced turkey from the deli counter. The exposure to air speeds up spoilage.
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Storage Temperature: Storing the turkey at a consistent 40°F or below is key. Avoid the door where temps fluctuate more.
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Handling: Always use clean utensils and hands when handling deli meat. This prevents cross-contamination.
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Turkey Type: Less processed turkey like oven roasted doesn’t last as long as more processed kinds like smoked turkey.
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Amount Left: The more turkey left in the pack, the faster it goes bad from repeat air exposure. Buy smaller portions.
How To Tell If Boar’s Head Turkey Is Bad
Watch for these signs that your Boar’s Head oven roasted turkey has spoiled:
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Sliminess: A sticky, slick texture or slippery film on the surface signals spoilage. Toss it out!
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Discoloration: Fresh sliced turkey is pink/red. Gray, brown, or greenish colors are bad news.
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Sour Smell and Taste: Rancid odors point to spoiled meat. Any “off” flavors mean don’t eat it.
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Mold Growth: Any fuzz, slime, or spotting by mold is a sign to immediately discard the turkey. Don’t take risks with mold.
Safety Tip: When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t taste questionable turkey to test it. It’s not worth risking food poisoning.
Storage Tips To Make Boar’s Head Turkey Last Longer
Follow these tips to maximize your turkey’s shelf life after opening:
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Store turkey in air-tight packaging or food wrap to limit air exposure. Squeeze out excess air when sealing the wrap.
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Place the wrapped turkey on a plate or bowl before refrigerating. This catches any leaks and keeps the fridge clean.
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Refrigerate turkey right away after use at 40°F or below. Don’t leave it out on the counter.
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Use deli turkey within 3 days for peak freshness. To extend the shelf life 2 more days, freeze the rest immediately.
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When freezing, wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn.
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Once thawed, use refrigerated frozen turkey within 3-5 days. Don’t refreeze thawed deli meats.
Best Practices For Food Safety
Handle and store Boar’s Head turkey properly to avoid bacteria growth and foodborne illness:
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Discard turkey that is past the use-by date on the packaging. Don’t risk eating expired cold cuts.
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Throw away any deli meat left out of the fridge for over 2 hours. Bacteria multiply quickly at room temp.
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Always keep cooked meats like rotisserie turkey separate from raw turkey. Prevent cross-contamination.
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Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards, plates thoroughly before and after contact with raw turkey.
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Use deli turkey within the recommended 3-5 day refrigerated shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out!
The Bottom Line
An opened pack of Boar’s Head premium oven roasted turkey stays fresh for 3-5 days when stored properly in the fridge. Keep it tightly wrapped, chilled at 40°F or below, and watch for any signs of spoilage. Follow the storage tips in this guide to get the most out of your Boar’s Head turkey!
What to know about the Boar’s Head recall
FAQ
How long does boars head deli turkey last in the fridge?
Is deli turkey good after 7 days?
How long will my turkey last in the fridge?
How long does pre packaged turkey last in the fridge?
How long does Boars Head deli turkey meat last?
Boars Head Deli Turkey Meat is one of the most popular kinds of deli meat, and you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. In this guide, we’ll explain how long Boars Head Deli Turkey meat will be good for and some other useful information about the deli turkey meat you will purchase, so keep reading.
How long does a boar’s head Turkey last?
Boar’s Head turkey products have a sell-by date, the last day you should sell the product at retailers. A sell-by date is not a use-by date, meaning you can still eat the food after this has passed. The length of time that Boar’s Head turkey lasts depends on the product type and how it is stored at home.
How long does turkey meat last in the fridge?
The turkey should remain in the fridge through that date, provided that the packaging is not opened and that your fridge temperature is set to less than 40 degrees. The raw turkey meat will keep fresh for up to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator, and one year, when stored in the freezer, (4 months when ground).
How do you extend the shelf life of boar’s head deli meat?
To extend the shelf life of Boar’s Head deli meat, proper storage is essential. Always keep the deli meat refrigerated at or below 40°F to slow down bacterial growth. Ensure that the packaging is tightly sealed to prevent the meat from being exposed to air, which can lead to spoilage.