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.
Wondering how long a turkey can last in the freezer? With the holiday season coming up, many people stock up on frozen turkeys ahead of time to prepare for festive feasts Knowing how long a turkey stays good in the freezer can help prevent food waste and ensure you serve up only the freshest, safest meal.
An Overview on Freezer Turkey Storage
According to the experts, frozen turkeys can technically last indefinitely in the freezer as the freezing temperature prevents bacterial growth. However for best quality and taste, it is recommended to cook frozen turkeys within 1 year. Here are some general guidelines on turkey freezer storage times
- Fresh turkey: 1 year
- Thawed turkey: 1-2 days
- Cooked turkey: 4 months
- Turkey pieces/parts: 9 months
The exact freezer life of a turkey depends on a variety of factors like the temperature of your freezer, how well it is wrapped, and the state of the turkey before freezing (fresh vs. thawed).
Follow proper storage guidelines and track freezer times to enjoy high-quality turkey year-round.
Storing Turkey in the Freezer
To maximize your frozen turkey’s shelf life, follow these storage tips:
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Store at 0°F or below – Set your freezer to 0°F or below. This sufficiently cold temperature prevents bacteria growth and slows deterioration.
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Use freezer-safe packaging – Make sure your turkey is tightly wrapped in freezer bags or airtight containers. This prevents freezer burn which can negatively affect taste and texture.
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Exclude air – Squeeze out excess air before sealing bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. You can also double wrap the turkey for extra protection.
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Avoid overcrowding – Leave some space around items in the freezer for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can raise the temperature.
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Label packages – Mark packages with the date and contents for easy identification and tracking.
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Put new turkey at back – Place newly frozen items at the back of the freezer where temperature is coldest.
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Don’t refreeze thawed turkey – Thawed turkey should not be refrozen for safety and quality reasons. Cook thawed turkey within 1-2 days.
Following proper freezing protocol helps turkey stay fresh longer in the freezer.
How Long Does Frozen Turkey Last?
Frozen turkeys can technically be kept indefinitely, but for optimal taste and texture it is best to adhere to these shelf life guidelines:
- Fresh, unprepared turkey: 12 months
- Cooked turkey meat: 4-6 months
- Ground turkey or turkey pieces: 9 months
- Thawed turkey: 1-2 days in fridge
Turkey that has exceeded these freezer timelines can become dry and develop an off-flavor. The quality deteriorates with overly long storage.
For fresh turkeys purchased around the holidays, follow the “sell-by” date which typically allows 1-2 days for thawing and preparation. Properly stored fresh or frozen turkey should not be kept in the freezer longer than 1 year.
Identifying Turkey Gone Bad in Freezer
Though frozen turkeys have a long shelf life, certain signs indicate when one has been kept too long and may be unsafe to eat. Discard turkeys that show:
- Odor – Foul, uncharacteristic odor
- Color changes – Grey, brownish tint
- Dry, flaky texture – Extreme freezer burn
- Ice crystals or thick ice – Dehydration damage
- Mold or sliminess – Bacterial growth
- Weird soft spots – Potential spoilage
Always inspect turkey thoroughly after thawing. Do not eat turkey with an off smell or appearance – when in doubt, throw it out. Adhering to proper freezer storage times also minimizes undesirable changes.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Safely
When ready to use your frozen turkey, proper thawing is critical. Do not thaw turkey on the counter, as bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature. Recommended thawing methods include:
- Fridge thawing – Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs turkey. Place in a container to catch drips.
- Cold water thawing – Submerge sealed turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. About 30 mins per lb.
- Microwave thawing – Follow microwave directions. Cook immediately after thawing.
A thawed turkey should be pale pink with firm, pliable flesh. The giblets cavity should be free of ice crystals. Cook within 1-2 days for safety and quality.
Never refreeze a thawed turkey – cook it immediately. Follow safe thawing guidelines for delicious freezer turkey all season long.
Freezer Burn on Turkey – Is it Safe?
Freezer burn on turkey appears as dry, brownish patches. It alters texture but does not make turkey unsafe. To avoid freezer burn:
- Double wrap in airtight packaging
- Exclude excess air before sealing
- Maintain constant 0°F freezer temperature
- Avoid overcrowding freezer
You can cut away minor freezer burned portions on turkey. The remaining meat is safe to eat, though the taste may slightly suffer. Prevent freezer burn by properly storing turkey.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Turkey?
It is unsafe and unadvisable to refreeze thawed raw turkey. Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed meat. Refreezing also causes texture and moisture changes.
If turkey is still partially frozen with ice crystals intact, it can be safely refrozen – though the quality may slightly diminish. Fully thawed turkey should be cooked within 1-2 days.
Leftover fully cooked turkey can be refrozen. Divide it into shallow portions to re-chill rapidly, limiting bacteria growth. Frozen cooked turkey keeps 4 months beyond the initial freezer storage time.
Only refreeze turkey if absolutely necessary. For safety and quality, cook thawed turkey within the recommended 1-2 days.
Signs Turkey Was Frozen Too Long
Though frozen turkey can technically last indefinitely, eating turkey frozen too long can make you ill. Watch for these signs a freezer-burned turkey has been kept too long:
- Foul, off odor
- Dry, crunchy texture
- Greyish, dull color
- Abnormal softness
- Sliminess, stickiness
- Ice crystals or frost buildup
Turkey with these characteristics may be spoiled and unsafe after exceedingly long freezer times beyond recommended one-year storage. When in doubt, do not risk eating questionable turkey.
Storing turkey properly at 0°F in airtight packaging prevents degradation and freezer burn, keeping it appetizing for the recommended maximum of one year.
Turkey Pieces vs Whole Turkey Freezer Life
Turkey parts like breasts, drumsticks, thighs, wings, etc. generally last slightly longer than a whole turkey in the freezer. Turkey pieces freeze faster for more even chilling, and the smaller cuts are less prone to freezer burn.
Here are the freezer timelines:
- Whole turkey: 12 months
- Turkey pieces or ground turkey: 9 months
To extend freezer life, turkey parts and whole turkeys should both be stored properly at 0°F in airtight, moisture-proof packaging. Handle raw turkey carefully to prevent bacterial contamination.
For optimal safety and quality, cook frozen turkey pieces within 9 months and whole turkey within 1 year. Following these freezer guidelines helps you enjoy delicious home-cooked turkey all season long.
Can You Freeze Turkey Burgers and Meatballs?
Yes, it is safe to freeze prepared turkey burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf. Shape patties or loaves, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags.
Cooked, frozen turkey burgers or meatballs last 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Cook frozen patties or meatballs until piping hot, at least 165°F internal temperature. Reheating fully kills any bacteria for food safety.
Take proper precautions freezing turkey burgers or meatballs. Handle raw turkey carefully and freeze promptly for maximum freshness and shelf life.
How Long Does Thanksgiving Turkey Last In Freezer?
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey, if properly stored, can last 4 months in the freezer. Carve turkey from the bone and store portions shallowly in freezer bags or airtight containers. Reheating fully cooked thawed turkey kills lingering bacteria.
For optimal safety and quality, freeze leftover Thanksgiving turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Use frozen turkey within 4 months for the best flavor, texture, and appearance. Frozen cooked turkey keeps longer than raw poultry.
Follow food safety guidelines for storing and reheating leftover holiday turkey. With proper freezing, you can enjoy delicious Thanksgiving turkey for months after the big feast.
When properly stored at a constant 0°F or below, frozen turkey can safely keep for approximately one year before the quality starts deteriorating. For optimal freshness and taste, cook frozen whole turkeys within 12 months and turkey parts within 9 months.
Monitor your freezer temperature, wrap turkey thoroughly in airtight packaging, and avoid thawing and refreezing raw turkey. Follow proper freezing, th
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 a turkey stay frozen?
FAQ
Is a 2 year frozen turkey safe to eat?
Does turkey in the freezer go bad?
How long is a frozen butterball turkey good for?
How long can you keep a turkey in the freezer before it gets freezer burn?
How long does a Turkey last in the fridge?
There are two main types of turkeys: fresh and frozen. Fresh turkeys are typically sold in grocery stores and have a shelf life of about 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. Frozen turkeys are sold in grocery stores and meat markets, and have a shelf life of about 9-12 months when stored in the freezer. Packaging
How long can you keep cooked turkey in the freezer?
Just remember to keep that temperature at 0 degrees, and you’re good to go. However, if you’re storing cooked turkey (as opposed to raw), it should stay good in the freezer for up to two or three months, according to the Globe and Mail. You can enjoy defrosted cooked turkey up to two or three months later.
How long can a frozen turkey last?
However, while a frozen turkey can remain safe indefinitely, its quality will deteriorate over time. For the best taste and texture, it is recommended to consume the turkey within a specific timeframe. 1. How long can I safely store a whole frozen turkey? A whole frozen turkey can be safely stored for up to one year in the freezer. 2.
Can you freeze a whole turkey?
If you decide to freeze a whole turkey for long term, keep these safety tips in mind: Make sure your turkey is unopened. If you have a fresh turkey and would like to freeze it for later, get it in the freezer before the “use-by” date on the package. The USDA recommends using frozen turkey within the first year of storage for the best quality.