Ground turkey is a versatile protein that is often used as a healthy alternative to ground beef in a variety of dishes from burgers to tacos to chili. However you use ground turkey, it is important to understand how to store it safely so you can have it available when you need it.
Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile meat that can easily go bad if not stored properly after opening Follow these simple guidelines to keep your ground turkey fresh and safe to eat
Refrigerate Right After Opening
Once the package is opened, it’s important to refrigerate the ground turkey immediately. Don’t leave it sitting out. Refrigerate within 2 hours of opening.
Place the ground turkey in an airtight container or seal it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it on a lower shelf in the back of the fridge where the temperature is coldest.
Raw ground turkey will maintain best quality for 1-2 days refrigerated. After that, it’s best to freeze any unused portions.
Divide into Portions Before Freezing
For longer freezer storage, divide the ground turkey into portions before freezing
Figure out how much ground turkey you generally use for recipes. For example, if recipes call for 1 pound, divide into 1 pound portions.
Place each portion into a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Or use airtight freezer containers.
Label bags with contents and date. Frozen ground turkey maintains optimal flavor and texture for 3-4 months.
Thaw Safely in Fridge
Never thaw ground turkey on the counter or in hot water. Instead, plan ahead and thaw in the refrigerator.
Place the container of frozen ground turkey on a plate or rimmed pan to catch any drips as it thaws. Allow about 1 day thawing time per pound.
Once thawed, use within 1-2 days for maximum freshness and quality. Do not refreeze thawed raw ground turkey. Cook immediately if you can’t use within this timeframe.
Look for Signs of Spoilage
Check for signs of spoilage before cooking or eating ground turkey. Discard if turkey has an off odor, stickiness, or unusual coloration.
When cooked, spoiled ground turkey will have an unappealing flavor and mushy texture. Do not taste raw or cooked turkey that shows signs of spoilage. Play it safe and throw it away.
If unsure about the freshness, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from bad meat.
Prevent Cross-Contamination
Raw ground turkey can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella. Take precautions in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.
Always wash hands, utensils, dishes and cutting boards thoroughly with hot soapy water after handling raw turkey. Never let raw meat touch surfaces used to prepare other foods.
Store ground turkey sealed and on bottom shelf of fridge, away from fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods. Place cooked foods above raw meats.
Choose the Right Storage Container
The container you store ground turkey in after opening plays a big role in maintaining freshness.
Airtight freezer bags or containers are ideal, as they prevent air exposure and freezer burn. Use only food-grade containers and bags.
Glass and hard plastic containers with tight lids work well in the fridge. Make sure to wrap with plastic wrap as an extra barrier.
Never store ground turkey in the aluminum tray or absorbent pad from the original package after opening. This can lead to faster spoilage.
Freeze Leftover Cooked Turkey
Cooked ground turkey won’t keep as long as raw. Refrigerate for 3-4 days max after cooking.
For longer storage, portion cooked ground turkey into freezer bags or airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
Label with contents and date. Use frozen cooked ground turkey within 2-3 months for optimal quality and taste.
Thaw cooked turkey in the refrigerator and reheat fully to 165°F before serving again.
Know When It’s Bad
Check for visual and aromatic signs that ground turkey has spoiled before tasting it.
Discoloration, sliminess and a rancid or “off” smell mean the ground turkey has gone bad and should be discarded right away.
If the texture seems overly soft or mushy when cooking, this is also a sign of spoilage. Do not consume ground turkey that exhibits any of these qualities.
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t risk getting sick from eating bad ground turkey.
Consider Grinding Your Own
Want maximum freshness? Consider buying whole cuts like breast or thigh and freshly grinding your own turkey.
Use a meat grinder or food processor to freshly grind turkey right before cooking it.
Store whole turkey parts properly before grinding. Refrigerate 1-2 days max or freeze for longer storage.
Freshly ground ensures there are no unseen spoiled areas that packaged ground turkey can occasionally have.
Following proper storage guidelines will keep your ground turkey safe to eat and retain optimum flavor and texture after opening. Divide into portions, freeze for longer storage, and avoid cross-contamination from raw meat juices.
How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad?
Turkey, like other forms of poultry, can grow some dangerous bacteria, such as salmonella, when it begins to go bad. Luckily, your senses will help you when determining whether ground turkey has gone bad.
Ground turkey should have a light pink color with specks of white fat. If it starts to turn a darker color or a yellow color, it is going bad. Also, if you notice any mold or visible change in texture I would also throw it out.
If there is any unpleasant oder to you ground turkey, throw it out. Ground turkey shouldn’t have much of a smell so if you notice anything foul, it has probably gone bad.
If the texture of your ground turkey feels off, get rid of it. In particular, if you notice that your turkey is slimy, unusually dry, or sticky, it has probably gone bad.
Hopefully it doesn’t come to this, but if you don’t notice any unusual appearance, smell or texture but you start eating and it just doesn’t taste right, stop eating and throw it away. The risks of food poisoning are certainly not worth taking a chance. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Refrigerator?
Cooked ground turkey, if stored in an air-tight container, can last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Raw ground turkey can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. If you buy from the store, you can go by the expiration date on the package. As long as you don’t open the package you can store in its original packaging. However, if you do open the packaging and use part of the turkey, I would store in an air-tight container.
How to Store Ground Meat in the Freezer – Best Way!
FAQ
Is raw ground turkey good after 3 days in fridge?
How to store raw meat after opening?
How long does leftover ground turkey last in the fridge?
How do you store a turkey after opening it?
Where should ground turkey be stored?
Ground turkey should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the back. * The amount of air in the packaging: The more air that is in the packaging, the faster the ground turkey will spoil. This is because air contains oxygen, which bacteria need to grow.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
How do you store ground turkey in the fridge?
Here are some tips for storing ground turkey in the fridge: * Store ground turkey in an airtight container. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria. * Place the container in the coldest part of the fridge. This will help to slow down the growth of bacteria.
Should ground turkey be stored in airtight packaging?
Ground turkey should be stored in airtight packaging to prevent the growth of bacteria. Airtight packaging can be achieved by using a sealed plastic bag, a vacuum-sealed bag, or a covered container. * Refrigerate ground turkey as soon as possible after purchase.