Asking Google “how-to freeze turkey” this holiday season? Katie Workman, the creator behind The Mom 100, created a guide to prepping your extra turkey for the freezer. Use it over the holidays or any time of year when turkey is on the menu and leftovers are on the to-do list.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach you may find yourself with a fresh turkey that you want to freeze for later use. Freezing a turkey can extend its shelf life for up to a year while maintaining quality. But how long exactly can you freeze a fresh turkey and still eat it? This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know.
Overview: Fresh Turkey Can Be Frozen for Up To 1 Year
The short answer is you can freeze a fresh, raw whole turkey for up to 1 year before cooking and eating it Turkey parts like breast, thighs, wings, etc can be frozen for 9 months. Thawed and cooked turkey lasts just 2-6 months in the freezer. The key is proper storage at 0°F or below.
Storing The Turkey In The Freezer
- Place turkey in coldest part of freezer
- Use original airtight packaging
- Double wrap with freezer paper or bag
- Remove as much air as possible
- Use freezer-safe materials like foil or bags
Proper freezing storage prevents freezer burn and quality loss.
Can You Freeze a Fresh Store-Bought Turkey?
Yes, absolutely Turkeys labeled “fresh” in stores are chilled but not actually frozen. They are safe to freeze as long as you
- Choose high-quality, fresh turkey from reputable source
- Pick turkey with furthest out ‘use by’ date
- Freeze promptly after purchasing
Does Freezing Ruin a Fresh Turkey?
No, freezing does not “ruin” a fresh turkey. However, extended freezing time may cause some quality changes:
- Texture may become slightly drier
- Flavor may diminish somewhat
- Appearance may dull slightly
But overall, frozen turkey remains high quality for up to a year when properly stored.
Thawing and Cooking Previously Frozen Turkey
- Thaw frozen turkey in fridge 24 hrs for every 4-5 lbs
- Cook within 1-2 days of refrigerator thawing
- Do not thaw at room temperature over 2 hours
- Can refreeze if thawed in fridge, not if thawed in water
Thawed turkey should be cooked soon and proper thawing guidelines followed for food safety.
Preventing Freezer Burn
Freezer burn causes dry, tough, and discolored spots. To prevent:
- Wrap tightly in multiple layers of freezer-safe wrap
- Remove as much air as possible
- Use high-quality, durable freezer bags
- Store turkey in coldest part of freezer
With proper precautions, you can avoid freezer burn during long-term frozen storage.
What If Turkey Is Left Frozen Too Long?
While turkey stored frozen at 0°F is technically safe to eat indefinitely, the quality declines over time:
- Texture becomes dry and tough
- Flavor fades over months of freezing
- Discoloration and freezer burn occur
- Overall quality diminishes
For best quality turkey, freeze for no more than 1 year before cooking.
Is Old Frozen Turkey Still Safe To Eat?
Turkey kept constantly frozen at 0°F for many years will still be safe to eat. However, the quality will likely be poor. Old frozen turkey may have:
- Unpleasant texture – dry and tough
- Faded flavor
- Freezer burned spots
- Discoloration
- Diminished nutrition
While technically safe, old turkey won’t be very tasty. Stick to the 1 year freezing guideline.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh turkey can be frozen for up to 1 year
- Proper freezer storage prevents quality loss
- Thaw frozen turkey safely in fridge before cooking
- Freeze soon after purchasing for best quality
- Discard turkey if left frozen over a year
Follow these tips, and your frozen turkey will stay fresh and delicious when thawed and cooked!
How Long Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?
Leftover turkey freezes well for up to six months if properly handled, packed and frozen within three days of the original preparation. However, I like to try and use it within three months for best flavor and texture, and to avoid the possibility of freezer burn.
How to Freeze Turkey Parts?
If you have some leftover legs, wings or thighs that you want to freeze on the bone, just make sure to wrap them very well in plastic wrap. Then slide them into a freezer-proof zip-top bag, press out any excess air, label the bag and freeze. I prefer bags for this as it’s easier to press out extra air. But do make sure to wrap them tightly first. To do this, get thicker plastic wrap specially designed for the freezer if you are a regular freezer of food!
How long can you freeze a fresh turkey for?
FAQ
How long can a fresh turkey last in the freezer?
Frozen Turkey
Keep frozen until you’re ready to thaw it. Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.
Is a 2 year old frozen turkey still good?
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Safety:According to the USDA, a properly frozen turkey can be safely eaten indefinitely, meaning even a 2-year-old frozen turkey is safe to consume.
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Quality decline:While safe, the quality of the turkey will decline over time, with potential issues like freezer burn and dryness after extended freezing periods.
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Best practice:For optimal taste and texture, it’s recommended to cook a turkey within a year of freezing.
What is the shelf life of a fresh turkey?
| Food | Type | Refrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below] |
|---|---|---|
| Ham | Prosciutto, Parma or Serrano ham, dry Italian or Spanish type, cut | 2 to 3 months |
| Fresh poultry | Chicken or turkey, whole | 1 to 2 days |
| Chicken or turkey, pieces | 1 to 2 days | |
| Fin Fish | Fatty Fish (bluefish, catfish, mackerel, mullet, salmon, tuna, etc.) | 1 – 3 Days |
Will a frozen turkey last a year in 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.