What makes Thanksgiving so special? Is it a family gathering or connecting with your friends after a long time? Yes, but Turkey is what makes the day memorable for the rest of their life.
If you have bought Turkey, you might wonder how to store it. People often wonder, how long does Turkey last in the fridge? Here’s the answer!
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How Long Does Turkey Last in Fridge?
Turkey can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge at a temperature of 40oFahrenheit or below. Refrigeration can prevent Turkey from getting rancid.
Bacterial growth is much faster at room temperature. However, it is slowed down in the refrigerator.
You can also store leftover Turkey in the fridge. Generally, if it is a hot food item.
You should wait at least a few hours before tucking it in the refrigerator. When you feel that it has cooled down, put it in the fridge in an appropriate container.
Does Turkey Go Bad in the Fridge?
Yes, Turkey can go bad in the fridge if kept for a long time.
In this case, more than 4 days is too long for a Turkey. After that, it loses its flavor, and bacterial growth speeds up.
You can tell your Turkey has gone rancid by smelling it. It produces an unpleasant odder similar to rotten raw meat.
On the other hand, spoiled Turkey also darkens its colors and develops an unusual texture. These are all the signs that you should throw away your Turkey meat.
How Long is Turkey Bacon Good in the Fridge?
Uncooked and packed Turkey bacon can remain fresh in the fridge for up to 14 days.
Generally, leftover Turkey bacon will survive only a few days. You will notice them developing rancid properties after 2-3 days.
If you have opened the package, you can still store the remaining bacon in an airtight bag.
Before buying a Turkey bacon pack, it is best to see the expiry or best-by date. You can store it in the freezer too. This way, it can survive up to 6 months at 0 degrees.
How Long Will a Thawed Turkey Keep in the Fridge?
Thawed Turkey can only survive from 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator. It is more prone to bacterial growth than regular Turkey meat.
It also depends on the quantity of thawed Turkey meat. Usually, a 4 to 5-pound pack should be consumed within a day.
However, if you thaw your Turkey after purchase, you can store it in the fridge for additional 4 days.
According to the Department of Health, you should always place the thawed Turkey on a tray when storing it in the fridge.
How to Tell if Cooked Turkey is Bad?
An unpleasant smell and slimy texture are the common signs of identifying that your cooked Turkey has gone rancid.
How to differentiate between the smells? Well, if your Turkey is fine, it will smell like the seasonings you used in the dish. If not, it will smell way off than before.
Moreover, the color will darken, and you will notice a slimy texture. Another common sign is moldiness developed due to bacterial growth.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard cooked Turkey. Otherwise, it can result in various diseases.
How to Store Turkey in Fridge?
You can wrap cooked Turkey in aluminum foil to store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want to store uncooked Turkey, there’s nothing to worry about. Use the original packaging, and you are all set! If you have cooked it, then you may need some wrapping. Here’s how to do it:
- Take aluminum foil or an airtight plastic bag.
- Wrap your cooked Turkey around it properly.
- Put cooked Turkey on the main shelf of your fridge.
People also ask this question regarding sliced Turkey. For that, you will need a zip-top or sealed bag. It needs to prevent moisture at all costs.
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To Conclude
That brings us to the end of this detailed guide on how long Turkey can last in your fridge.
It can survive longer than 4 days if you provide the right conditions. Otherwise, it can get spoiled within 1-2 days.
The first and foremost is the required temperature. Secondly, you will need an appropriately-sized container or bag.
You should always check the expiry date when buying Turkey from a grocery store. You can use Turkey for up to 1 week beyond its best-by date.
Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.
With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.