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 to cook a turkey for an upcoming holiday or family gathering? If so, you may be wondering – how long can I keep an uncooked turkey in the fridge before it goes bad? Knowing how to properly store uncooked turkey is important for food safety. Read on for a complete guide to maximize your turkey’s shelf life.
Overview of Uncooked Turkey Storage
The shelf life of raw turkey depends on a few key factors
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Type of turkey: Whole turkeys last longer than just turkey breasts or other parts. Ground turkey has the shortest shelf life.
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Proper storage Keeping the turkey at the right fridge temperature and sealing it properly are key,
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Use-by dates: Check packaging for an expiration or use-by date and don’t keep it longer than that.
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of raw turkey last in the fridge:
- Whole turkey: 1 to 2 days
- Turkey breast: 3 to 4 days
- Ground turkey: 1 to 2 days
The best way to maximize shelf life is to store the turkey properly. Here’s how:
Storing Uncooked Turkey in the Fridge
Use the Original Packaging
Keep the turkey in its original leak-proof packaging. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps the turkey optimally chilled.
Place the packaged turkey on a plate or pan to catch any leaks. Don’t remove turkey from packaging until you are ready to cook it.
Place Turkey on a Low Shelf
Store the turkey on a bottom shelf toward the back of the fridge, where temperatures are coldest. Avoid storing it in the door.
Monitor the Fridge Temperature
The fridge should stay at 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer and adjust the temperature if needed.
Use Turkey Within Recommended Time
Cook fresh turkey within 1-2 days and thawed turkey within 1-2 days for optimal quality and safety. Don’t go by smell or appearance alone.
Handle Properly After Thawing
A thawed turkey can remain in the fridge 1-2 days. Refrigerate immediately and cook within this timeframe. Don’t refreeze.
Freezing Uncooked Turkey
For longer storage, freeze your turkey. Here’s how:
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Place turkey in an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
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Label bag with contents and freeze-by date (9-12 months).
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Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
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Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. Cook immediately after thawing.
Signs Your Turkey Has Gone Bad
Check for these signs of spoilage before cooking your turkey:
- Slimy texture or sticky surface
- Foul, unpleasant odor
- Discoloration or graying of the skin
- Dents, punctures or tears in the packaging
If you notice any of these signs, play it safe and discard the turkey. Don’t taste turkey you suspect may be spoiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I thaw turkey safely?
Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. You can also submerge sealed turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid thawing at room temp.
Can I refreeze thawed turkey?
Previously frozen turkey can be refrozen if it has been properly thawed in the fridge and has not sat at room temperature for over 2 hours. Handle quickly and use within 1-2 days.
What temperature should I cook turkey to?
Cook whole turkey and breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F. Cook ground turkey to 165°F. Use a food thermometer to verify temperature.
Can I freeze cooked turkey?
Yes, freeze carved turkey meat and gravy in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cooked turkey keeps 3-4 months in the freezer. Reheat fully when ready to eat.
How do I know if cooked turkey has gone bad?
Check for an off smell, sliminess, or mold. Leftover turkey lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Discard any turkey that smells bad or has mold, even if within this timeframe.
The Takeaway on Storing Turkey
It’s easy to keep uncooked turkey safe using these simple storage tips:
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Keep turkey 45°F or below in the fridge
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Store in original packaging on a low shelf
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Cook fresh turkey within 1-2 days
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Freeze for longer storage at 0°F or below
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Thaw properly in the fridge or cold water
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Check for signs of spoilage before cooking
Follow these guidelines and your holiday turkey will stay fresh and ready for cooking when you need it! Being aware of how long turkey lasts in the fridge prevents waste and keeps your food safe.
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.