Youve just found a turkey thats been in your freezer for years. Is it still OK to eat that turkey? Gary Crawford has an answer from an expert. Audio file
The USDAs Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE (888-674-6854) Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov
Scientists discover frozen in the ice a prehistoric specimen of Mammuthus primogenius, i.e. a woolly mammoth.
Researchers even find liquid blood in this well-preserved mastodon, which had been trapped in the ice for only about 39,000 years.
The cold wasteland of your deep freeze, which mimics the climate of the place where the woolly mammoth was found.
You are doing an archaeological dig into the bottom-most depths, and you discover a perfectly preserved specimen of Meligryus gallopervo.
This is Meredith Carruthers, a food safety expert with the Agriculture Departments Meat and Poultry Hotline, the number of which well give you in a minute.
And indeed, Meredith says they do get quite a few calls this time of year from people who have unearthed ancient turkeys in their freezers.
Its definitely safe to have a turkey in the freezer, because food-borne illness bacteria dont grow in the freezer.
The only thing that changes is the quality might diminish the longer that its frozen for.
But your year-old, two-year-old turkey that might be in the freezer that you stuck in there and forgot about is definitely still going to be safe as long as it has been frozen that entire time.
So as a quiz for our listeners, both of them, what do you think as far as calls to the hotline, whats the record for the length of time a turkey has been frozen, then unearthed, and prepared?
The record that we have gotten from our hotline calls is somebody was trying to use a five-year-old turkey that had been frozen for that long.
We told them as long as you havent had any major power outages and its been frozen that entire time, it is in fact safe to use.
I wonder if that caller with the five-year turkey actually did cook it and eat it.
Yes, we actually, they called us back and told us that it was super tasty and still just as delicious, which is incredible, considering, like I said, sometimes the quality is whats going to diminish the longer that something is frozen.
Now for answers to all of your holiday food safety and preparation questions, you can call the folks at the Meat & Poultry hotline.
With the holidays right around the corner, many people are stocking up on frozen turkeys ahead of time to make preparations easier. But a common question arises – how long can you keep a frozen turkey before it goes bad? Is a turkey still safe to eat if it’s been in the freezer for a year?
The short answer is yes, a turkey that has been continuously frozen at 0°F for a year will still be safe to eat However, the quality and taste will start to decline after the first 6-9 months in the freezer Here is a detailed look at how long frozen turkey lasts, how to store it for maximum freshness, and what to watch out for with older frozen turkeys.
How Long Does Frozen Turkey Last?
Raw whole turkeys that are kept frozen at 0°F have a recommended freezer life of
- 12 months for optimal quality
- Up to 2 years for safe consumption, although texture and flavor will diminish over time
For frozen turkey parts like breasts and drumsticks, the guidelines are:
- Up to 9 months for best quality
- Up to 1 year for safe eating but potential decline in taste/texture
Ground turkey lasts the shortest time in the freezer:
- 3-4 months for optimal flavor and texture
- Up to 1 year for safe consumption but quality loss is likely
The above timelines are based on recommendations from the USDA and apply to turkeys stored continuously at 0°F or below Proper freezing preserves turkey safely for long periods by preventing bacteria growth,
Proper Storage Maximizes Shelf Life
To get the full 1-2 years of safe shelf life from frozen turkey, good storage practices are key:
-
Store turkey in moisture-proof and airtight packaging. Overwrap with foil or freezer bags if needed.
-
Freeze turkey right away if not using soon after purchase. Don’t exceed “use-by” dates.
-
Place frozen turkey in coldest part of freezer, at 0°F or below. Use freezer thermometer to verify temperature.
-
Avoid opening the freezer frequently. This maintains a constant temperature.
-
Don’t refreeze thawed raw turkey – cook within 1-2 days. Refreezing causes more moisture loss.
Following these tips prevents freezer burn and quality loss. Freezer burn causes dry, brownish patches on the turkey due to air exposure and moisture evaporation.
Signs Your Frozen Turkey Is Past Its Prime
While frozen turkey won’t make you sick even when stored for a couple years at 0°F, you may notice some diminished quality. Here’s what to look for with older frozen turkeys:
-
Dry, stringy texture – Extensive freezer time draws moisture from the meat.
-
Freezer burn – Dry, brownish patches indicating air exposure during storage.
-
Off odors – Turkey may smell stale, lose freshness.
-
Discoloration – Paler, grayish colors versus the pink or cream of fresh turkey.
-
Ice crystals – Indicates thawed then refrozen turkey, affecting texture.
Turkeys with these traits are still safe to eat when thoroughly cooked to 165°F. But the eating quality is not the same as fresh turkey less than 6 months old. The taste and moisture content declines.
Is a 1-2 Year Old Frozen Turkey Worth Cooking?
Turkey that has been kept at 0°F for up to 1 year in the freezer will still be reasonably tasty and moist when cooked. The decline in quality happens gradually over the first year as moisture loss occurs.
Between 1-2 years frozen, turkey remains safe to eat but the meat will become progressively drier. The flavor can also start deteriorating. At this point, it’s better for recipes like turkey chili or casseroles where dryness and texture are less noticeable.
Turkey frozen for more than 2 years may be very dry with rancid odors, even though it’s technically safe when cooked thoroughly to 165°F. Turkey frozen this long is past its prime and best discarded. For optimal eats, use frozen turkeys within 1 year.
Tips for Cooking Old Frozen Turkey
To help make the most of an older frozen turkey, keep these tips in mind:
-
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator rather than quickly at room temp. This helps rehydrate the meat.
-
Brine the turkey before cooking to restore moisture – soak 6-12 hours in a saltwater solution.
-
Cook thoroughly to 165°F but avoid overcooking, which causes dryness. Use a meat thermometer.
-
Make broths/gravies/sauces to add moisture during roasting and serving. Baste turkey as it cooks.
-
Slice breast meat extra thin against the grain for most tender texture.
-
Shred and chop thigh meat post-cooking for casseroles, soups, etc. where dryness doesn’t stand out as much.
-
Mix cooked turkey with wet ingredients like gravy or dressing to make dishes like pot pie or shepherd’s pie. The sauce helps moisten.
While frozen turkey keeps for up to 2 years safety-wise, the best results come from cooking turkeys within the first year of freezing. Follow proper freezer storage rules and use frozen turkeys ASAP for a moist, delicious holiday meal.
0 Banner Ads Found Image
Youve just found a turkey thats been in your freezer for years. Is it still OK to eat that turkey? Gary Crawford has an answer from an expert. Audio file
PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Meredith Carothers with the USDAs Meat and Poultry Hotline.
The USDAs Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE (888-674-6854) Listeners can also go online to Ask.usda.gov
Lets go back to the year 2013.
Woo, very cold Siberia.
Scientists discover frozen in the ice a prehistoric specimen of Mammuthus primogenius, i.e. a woolly mammoth.
And this thing is pretty much intact.
Researchers even find liquid blood in this well-preserved mastodon, which had been trapped in the ice for only about 39,000 years.
Fast forward to this week.
The cold wasteland of your deep freeze, which mimics the climate of the place where the woolly mammoth was found.
You are doing an archaeological dig into the bottom-most depths, and you discover a perfectly preserved specimen of Meligryus gallopervo.
Yes, a frozen turkey, apparently undisturbed for years.
Has this ever happened to you or somebody that you know?
This is Meredith Carruthers, a food safety expert with the Agriculture Departments Meat and Poultry Hotline, the number of which well give you in a minute.
And indeed, Meredith says they do get quite a few calls this time of year from people who have unearthed ancient turkeys in their freezers.
They want to know, is this thing still safe to eat?
And Meredith, whats the answer?
Its definitely safe to have a turkey in the freezer, because food-borne illness bacteria dont grow in the freezer.
So no matter how long something is frozen, it will remain safe.
The only thing that changes is the quality might diminish the longer that its frozen for.
But your year-old, two-year-old turkey that might be in the freezer that you stuck in there and forgot about is definitely still going to be safe as long as it has been frozen that entire time.
A year or two years.
Sometimes these birds are in there for longer than two years, right, Meredith?
So as a quiz for our listeners, both of them, what do you think as far as calls to the hotline, whats the record for the length of time a turkey has been frozen, then unearthed, and prepared?
Two years, five, three, ten years?
And the answer is…
The record that we have gotten from our hotline calls is somebody was trying to use a five-year-old turkey that had been frozen for that long.
Whoa, five years, thats a long time.
And would that still be safe?
We told them as long as you havent had any major power outages and its been frozen that entire time, it is in fact safe to use.
I wonder if that caller with the five-year turkey actually did cook it and eat it.
Yes, we actually, they called us back and told us that it was super tasty and still just as delicious, which is incredible, considering, like I said, sometimes the quality is whats going to diminish the longer that something is frozen.
So your results may vary.
Now for answers to all of your holiday food safety and preparation questions, you can call the folks at the Meat & Poultry hotline.
Heres the number, 1-888-MP-HOTLINE, 1-888-MP-HOTLINE, or go online to ask.usda.gov, ask.usda.gov.
The experts will be working even on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gary Crawford reporting for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
How long can a turkey stay frozen?
FAQ
Is a frozen turkey still good if you bought it last year?
Yes, it is safe to eat a turkey that has been kept in a deep freezer for over a year. According to the US Department of Agriculture, foods that are kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will remain safe indefinitely (1).
Can I use a turkey that has been frozen for a year?
Keep frozen until you’re ready to thaw it. Turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within 1 year for best quality.
How to tell if a frozen turkey is bad?
To determine whether frozen meat has gone bad, consider the following signs: Color Changes: Fresh meat is typically red or pink. If it appears brown or gray, it may be a sign of freezer burn, which affects quality but not safety. However, if it has an unusual green or dull color, it may be spoiled.
Can you eat turkey that has been frozen for 2 years?
Safety: As long as the turkey has been kept at a constant temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower, it should be safe to eat. Bacteria cannot grow in these conditions. Quality: The USDA recommends using frozen turkey within 1 year for best quality. After 2 years, the texture and flavor may be compromised.
How long can you keep a frozen turkey in the freezer?
So in terms of food safety, frozen turkey should pose no concerns even when stored for 12-24 months. But keeping it for the full 2 years may result in drier texture and flavor degradation. For best quality, aim to cook frozen turkeys within 1 year. To get the maximum safe freezer life out of your turkey, proper storage is key. Here are some tips
Can you eat a frozen turkey for a year?
To store a turkey in the freezer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or place it in airtight freezer bags. It is essential to remove as much air as possible to maintain its quality and prevent freezer burn. To conclude, a turkey frozen for a year can still be safe to eat. However, it’s important to assess its quality before consumption.
Can You refreeze cooked turkey?
You can safely refreeze any cooked turkey leftovers. Make sure thawed raw turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Provided it has been stored properly at 0°F, frozen turkey can retain good flavor and texture quality for up to a year. Between 1-2 years frozen, it is still safe to eat but the meat may be drier.
When should I use frozen turkey?
The USDA recommends using frozen turkey within the first year of storage for the best quality. Already have a frozen turkey to prep for a big feast?
Does raw turkey stay good in the freezer?
Raw turkey (and meat) will stay good in the freezer indefinitely. All meat is good in the freezer indefinitely, but only if it is stored at 0°F consistently. This rule applies to meat stored at exactly 0°F without fluctuation, and it must be uniformly frozen at that temperature to keep harmful bacteria away.
Can you eat a 2 year old frozen turkey?
Yes, a two-year-old turkey is safe to eat if stored properly, but it may not taste as good as a fresher bird. The longer it is frozen, the more its quality deteriorates. How can you tell if frozen turkey has gone bad? If the turkey smells, looks slimy, is discolored, or has a significant amount of freezer burn, it shouldn’t be eaten.