You may be wondering how long turkey stays fresh in the fridge and the freezer if you want to see how much longer your extra turkey lasts. Keep reading to learn the basics of how to store turkey for later use.
With the holidays coming up, many of us will be buying turkeys to cook for festive meals. It’s tempting to grab an uncooked turkey early to cross that task off your list. But then the question arises – how long will uncooked turkey last in the fridge? Know the facts to keep your turkey safe, tasty and avoid waste.
How Long Does Raw Turkey Last Refrigerated?
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, raw whole turkeys can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Raw turkey pieces like breasts or drumsticks last just a bit longer at 1-3 days max. These time frames are for turkey stored at 40°F or below.
Freezing is best for long term storage, but during the thawing process, raw turkey can safely be kept refrigerated for these periods.
The short fridge life is due to raw poultry being highly perishable. Bacteria like salmonella can quickly multiply even when refrigerated. So raw turkey should only be refrigerated for as long as necessary before cooking.
Proper Storage Extends Fridge Life
To get the maximum safe fridge life, proper storage of raw turkey is crucial. Here are some tips:
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Leave turkey sealed in its original packaging. This prevents cross-contamination.
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Place the package on a rimmed tray or plate to catch any drips or leaks,
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Store turkeys on the bottom shelf of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
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Keep other foods especially produce and ready-to-eat items away from raw turkey juices.
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Refrigerate at 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer to monitor.
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Avoid overcrowding the fridge or blocking air vents. Cold air circulation is key.
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Thaw in the fridge rather than countertop to extend fridge life after thawing.
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Cook within the recommended timeframe after thawing.
Following these guidelines keeps turkey colder for longer and prevents the spread of bacteria.
How to Tell if Raw Turkey is Bad
Raw turkey that’s gone bad can make you very sick. Here are some telltale signs your raw turkey has spoiled and should be discarded:
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Slimy or sticky feel and texture
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Smells foul or “off”
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Grayish or green-tinged meat
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Large amounts of liquid in package
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Expired use-by/freeze-by date passed
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Turkey left in fridge over recommended 1-2 days
The USDA advises never tasting meat to determine safety. When in doubt, throw it out. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.
Freezing Extends Shelf Life Dramatically
While fridge life is limited to 1-2 days, freezing gives uncooked turkey much longer shelf life. According to the USDA:
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Whole turkeys last 1 year frozen
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Turkey pieces last 9 months frozen
Proper freezer storage is important:
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Use freezer bags or wrap in freezer paper, pressing out air.
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Portion into usable sizes if freezing for long term.
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Freeze immediately after purchasing at 0°F or below.
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Avoid freeze/thaw cycles which degrade texture.
Thaw frozen turkey safely in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. The thawed turkey will then last another 1-2 days refrigerated before cooking.
Safety Tips for Thawing Turkey
Thawing turkey on the counter or at room temperature is unsafe as bacteria can grow rapidly. Here are some safe thawing methods:
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Fridge: Allow 24 hrs for every 4-5 lbs. Place on tray to catch drips.
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Cold water: Submerge sealed turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Microwave: Follow appliance directions for partial thawing. Cook immediately.
A thawed turkey can be kept 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking. Leftover cooked turkey lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheating fully cooked turkey is safe.
What if Turkey Exceeds Recommended Fridge Time?
We all occasionally miscalculate how long something’s been in the fridge. If you go over the 1-2 day timeframe, it’s risky consuming the turkey.
Here are some tips if your raw turkey has exceeded refrigeration guidelines:
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Discard if left refrigerated more than 2 days. Don’t risk getting sick.
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Do not rely on freezing to make turkey safe after keeping too long.
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Do not cook turkey that has developed an off odor, color or slimy texture. When in doubt, throw it out.
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Mark your calendar when placing turkey in the fridge and set a reminder to cook within the safe window.
Following the 1-2 day rule for raw turkey is important. But if mishaps occur, play it safe by starting over with a fresh turkey.
Tips for Cooking Fresh or Thawed Turkey
Once your raw turkey is thawed and ready to cook, follow these tips:
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Set oven temperature no lower than 325°F to prevent bacterial growth.
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Use a food thermometer to ensure turkey reaches 165°F minimum internal temperature.
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Discard any turkey or juices that remain pink or red. Cooked turkey is brown throughout.
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Don’t baste with juices or stuff turkey cavities as this can spread bacteria.
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Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
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Reheat cooked turkey fully until 165°F. Do not eat partially reheated or room temp turkey.
Following proper refrigerator storage, safe thawing, and thorough cooking and reheating guidelines will protect you and your guests from foodborne illness when serving turkey.
Make an Educated Decision
Now that you know how long raw turkey can safely last in the fridge, you can make informed decisions when purchasing and prepping turkey.
Buy turkey as close to your event as reasonably possible. Follow the 1-2 day rule for fridge storage. And if plans change, don’t hesitate to freeze turkey to extend the lifespan.
By using proper storage, handling, thawing and cooking techniques, you can enjoy delicious turkey confident that its safety and quality has been preserved.
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Are you not sure how to best store turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry—it’s pretty easy! Simply wrap raw turkey pieces in Glad® Press’n Seal® and put them in a Glad® FLEXN SEALTM Food Storage Quart Bag. In a food storage bag, you can store sliced cold cuts. Before you seal the bag, make sure to squeeze out any extra air. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
Without being touched, raw turkey can stay in the fridge for one to two days, and cold cuts can stay there for up to five days. How long does cooked turkey stay fresh in the fridge? Cooked turkey leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four 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 freeze it instead of putting it in the fridge. The same goes for raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. The good news is that it’s very easy to store turkey in the freezer, whether it’s cooked or raw.
Using Glad® Press’n Seal®, make a seal around each piece of turkey that won’t let air in. Then, put them in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEALTM Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. Just wrap a whole turkey in several layers of Glad® Clingn SealTM or Glad® Press’n Seal® to freeze it. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. Should be kept in the right way, raw turkey pieces can be frozen for up to 9 months, and whole raw turkeys can be frozen for a year. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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It is against USDA rules to thaw a frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water. You should also not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Moving the frozen package from the freezer to a plate and into the fridge is the best way to thaw turkey, whether it’s whole or in pieces. Then, let it thaw slowly. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If you put raw frozen turkey in the fridge to thaw, it can stay there for one to two days before it needs to be cooked or frozen again.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Put the turkey in a bag that won’t let air in, like a Glad® FLEXN SEALTM Food Storage Quart Bag. Then, put it in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes so the turkey can continue to thaw. You can also use the microwave to thaw frozen turkey, but you should plan to cook it right away to stop bacteria from growing.
Learn more about how to store meat and how long it will last in the fridge or freezer by reading our tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
Can I keep an uncooked turkey in the fridge for a week?
Is it okay to eat turkey that’s been in the fridge for 2 weeks?
Can turkey last 5 days in the fridge?
Can I buy a fresh turkey a week before Thanksgiving?
How long does uncooked Turkey last?
The shelf life of uncooked turkey depends on a few factors, including the type of turkey, the storage temperature, and the packaging. * Whole turkeys will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. * Boneless, skinless turkey breasts will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. * Ground turkey will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
How long does Turkey last in the fridge?
Turkey can last between 1-4 days in the fridge depending on whether it was previously cooked or not. Food that is not properly stored in the fridge can quickly spoil and cause bacteria growth. That’s why it’s important to know how different long types of food will last in the fridge to keep you safe and away from food poisoning.
How long does a frozen turkey last?
Keeping it in its original packaging, set your bird on a rimmed container to catch any juices. In a refrigerator set to 40 degrees F or below, it generally takes one day for every 4 pounds to thaw a fully frozen turkey. Once thawed, your turkey will keep in the fridge for up to two days.
How long does leftover Turkey last in the freezer?
The general consensus is that most food can safely be kept in the freezer indefinitely, but the USDA recommends consuming most frozen foods within two to six months for the best quality, depending on what you’re freezing.
Can You Refrigerate a Turkey after it thaws?
Freeze the turkey if you don’t plan on cooking it before it expires. Keep undated turkeys refrigerated for up to 2 days after they thaw. A turkey is safe in the refrigerator until it fully thaws. After that, it stays fresh for a few extra days as long as it is still in its original packaging.
How do you store uncooked Turkey?
Uncooked turkey should be stored in a location with good airflow, such as in the refrigerator crisper drawer. To store uncooked turkey properly, follow these tips: * Refrigerate the turkey as soon as possible after purchase. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.