how long is frozen turkey meat good for

How Long Can You Keep Frozen Turkey Safely?

For many families, turkey is a staple centerpiece of festive meals and gatherings With its large size, turkey offers plenty of leftovers for creative recipes Freezing extra turkey allows you to enjoy it long after the initial meal. But how long does turkey stay good frozen?

Follow proper storage and handling and frozen turkey can keep for extended periods while maintaining quality and safety. Here’s what you need to know about maximizing freezer life for whole turkeys turkey parts, and cooked turkey meat.

Storing Turkey in the Freezer

To freeze turkey correctly:

• Place turkey in airtight, moisture-proof packaging like freezer bags or freezer wrap. Remove as much air as possible prior to sealing.

• Immediately freeze raw turkey at 0°F or below. Use the coldest part of the freezer, away from frequent opening.

• Cooked turkey should be cooled fully before freezing, within 2 hours of cooking.

• Label packages with contents and freeze-by date. Use oldest packages first.

• Once thawed, do not refreeze turkey unless it has been cooked. Cooked turkey can be safely refrozen.

Never freeze stuffing inside whole turkeys, as it slows proper freezing. Freeze it separately instead.

Freezer Life for Raw Whole Turkey

A whole frozen turkey maintains best quality for:

• 12 months when commercially frozen at 0°F

• 1 year for home-frozen at 0°F or below

The FDA recommends using frozen turkeys within this 1-year timeframe for optimal flavor, texture and moisture.

Freezer Life for Raw Turkey Parts

Raw turkey pieces like breasts, legs, wings, thighs, drumsticks, and cut-up turkey parts stay fresh frozen for:

• 9 months commercially frozen at 0°F

• 6-9 months frozen at home at 0°F or below

Turkey parts frozen without commercial packaging tend to have shorter freezer life. Routinely check pieces for freezer burn.

Freezer Life for Cooked Turkey

Cooked turkey meat and leftovers stay safe frozen for:

• 4 months in commercial freezer at 0°F

• 2-6 months frozen at home at 0°F or below

For optimal quality, use cooked frozen turkey within 4 months. Heat thoroughly to 165°F when ready to eat.

Signs Turkey Is No Longer Good

Check frozen turkey for these signs it may be spoiled and should be discarded:

• Ice crystals or freezer burn on large areas, indicating improper freezing

• Strong, unpleasant odor when raw turkey is thawed

• Change in color from pink or white to gray, green or brown

• Slime formation or very sticky texture

• Mold growth anywhere on the turkey

• Expired use-by or freeze-by date

Trust your senses! Off smells, textures, or appearances mean don’t risk eating the turkey.

Safely Thawing Frozen Turkey

Always thaw turkey safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave before cooking from frozen.

Refrigerator: Allow 1 day thawing for every 4-5 lbs. Place on tray to catch drips. Cook within 1-2 days.

Cold water: Submerge sealed turkey in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound of turkey. Cook immediately.

Microwave: Follow appliance directions for defrost function. Cook turkey immediately after microwaving.

Avoid room temperature thawing which can breed bacteria. Do not refreeze thawed raw turkey; cook it.

Cooking Previously Frozen Turkey

Previously frozen turkey can be safely cooked and consumed if properly handled. Take these precautions:

• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F, checking with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

• Allow 20 minutes per pound to reach doneness; a 12 lb. turkey needs 4 hours at minimum.

• Stuffing must reach 165°F also; cook it separately or immediately before serving.

• Discard any turkey or drippings left above 40°F for over 2 hours.

Follow the freezer times, thawing, and cooking tips above, and your delicious frozen turkey will stay safe for many meals to come.