As we approach the holiday season many of us will be preparing our turkeys for festive family feasts. But when you open the packaging you’re sometimes hit with a foul odor that makes you question if your turkey has gone bad.
I’ve been there myself. Despite the turkey being well within its use-by date and stored properly, I’ve still been met with a wicked stench upon opening the packaging.
If this has happened to you, or you’re just curious why raw turkey sometimes releases nasty smells then read on. I’ll explain the main reasons your turkey can smell so offensive even when it’s not actually spoiled.
Fresh Raw Turkey Doesn’t Have Much of a Smell
Fresh, raw turkey that has not been sitting around shouldn’t really have any kind of unpleasant smell. The fresher it is, the less odor it will have.
Of course turkey has a natural smell, but it should be very minimal. It’s similar to chicken in that the raw meat itself doesn’t have a strong scent.
So if you unwrap your turkey and are met with a very foul, potent smell, something else is likely going on.
Why The Bad Smells Happen
There are two main culprits that can cause turkey to smell really bad, even when the meat is not spoiled.
Vacuum-Packing
The most common reason for smelly turkey is vacuum-sealed or cryovac packaging. This packaging sucks air out to extend shelf life.
But with no oxygen, the meat releases tangy juices that cause an unpleasant odor. The longer it’s vacuum-packed, the worse the smell can get.
This happens especially with large cuts of meat like whole turkeys. Even when well before the expiration date, the lack of oxygen creates a bad smell.
Actual Spoilage
The other reason your turkey may smell is that’s it’s unfortunately gone bad. If the odor is rancid, lingers after opening, and the meat shows other signs of spoilage, then it’s likely spoiled.
So how do you know if it’s just the packaging or actual spoilage? Here are some tips:
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Let it breathe: If it was vacuum-packed, the smell should subside after exposure to air. If the scent remains, it’s more likely spoiled.
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Check the color: Off-colors like graying, green hues, or very dark turkey meat can mean spoilage.
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Feel the texture: Slimey, sticky, or overly-soft meat is a sign of bacteria growth and spoilage.
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Watch the expiration: If expired, don’t risk eating it even if other signs look okay.
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When in doubt, throw it out: Don’t taste meat you suspect may be spoiled.
Getting Rid of Smells from Vacuum-Packed Turkey
If you believe the smell is just from vacuum-sealing, there are some things you can do to get rid of the odor before cooking:
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Remove from packaging and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes up to 1 hour. This allows the smells to dissipate into the air.
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Pat turkey dry with paper towels. This absorbs some of the smelly juices on the surface.
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Don’t season or marinate until the smell has lessened. Rubbing and spices before airing out can set in the smell.
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Rinse gently if needed. Washing with cold water can help rinse away some odor, but be very careful not to splash raw meat bacteria around your sink.
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Cook as planned. Once aired out, the turkey should smell fine for roasting, smoking, frying etc. The smells will cook away.
Why Ground Turkey Smells Bad Sometimes
The same principles apply to ground turkey. While it’s normal for it to have a very mild meaty smell, a persistent foul odor likely means spoilage.
Ground turkey can go bad faster than whole cuts due to more surface area being exposed to air. Make sure to check the date and give it the smell test before cooking.
Unlike whole cuts, you should never rinse ground meat which can easily spread bacteria. Discard if smells are unpleasant.
Trust Your Nose: When in Doubt, Throw it Out
At the end of the day, always err on the side of caution when dealing with raw poultry and meat. Your nose knows best!
While packaging can sometimes cause turkey to pick up temporary odors, trust your senses if the smell seems truly rancid or lingers despite airing out.
Likewise, discard if the turkey is past expiration, appears slimy or discolored, or just generally seems “off”. Don’t risk food poisoning!
I hope these tips help you decipher why your turkey may smell funky at times. With a few simple tricks, you can freshen it up and determine if it’s safe for cooking.
Trust your instincts, stay safe, and happy holidays!
The Reason: Why Does Ground Turkey Smell Bad
FAQ
Is it normal for turkey to smell?
Why does cold turkey smell so bad?
What does bad deli turkey smell like?
How to tell if cooked turkey is bad?
Why does turkey meat smell bad?
When meat is deprived of oxygen it will often change to a darker color, and will sweat in the packaging sometimes causing a bad smell when you first open the packaging! Disclaimer: Although it’s normal for turkey meat to have a natural smell, if you feel like your turkey is actually spoiled, don’t risk eating it!
Does a fresh turkey smell bad?
The fresher it is, the less it will smell. But, even if it’s been a few days, the turkey won’t generally pick up a naturally bad odor until much later, unless it’s been deprived of oxygen. This doesn’t mean fresh turkey should smell nice, but it shouldn’t be unpleasant either!
What does ground turkey smell like after cooking?
Fresh ground turkey has a very mild, slightly gamey, or poultry scent. If it starts to smell sour, metallic, or reminiscent of ammonia, it’s time to toss it. How do I tell if ground turkey is bad after cooking? Even after cooking, bad turkey retains its unpleasant odor.
Why does my Turkey smell sour?
If you detect a sour or any off-putting odor, it’s a clear sign the turkey isn’t safe to eat. If it’s been stored improperly or for too long, bacteria can grow, leading to an off-putting smell. This bacterial growth can be due to temperature fluctuations in the fridge or simply the turkey being past its use-by date.