The answer to the question of how long you can keep a fresh turkey in the refrigerator may surprise you.
According to the USDA, a whole turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. This means that, if you purchase your turkey on Monday, you have Tuesday and Wednesday to cook it.
Of course, this assumes that your refrigerator is set to 40°F or lower, as this is the temperature at which bacteria will not grow.
If your refrigerator is set any higher than that, you’ll need to cook the turkey more quickly.
It’s also worth noting that, even if you can store a turkey for up to two days in the refrigerator, it’s still best to cook it as soon as possible.
This is because the longer a turkey is stored; the more time bacteria have to grow.
If you need to store your turkey for longer than two days, the best way to do so is to freeze it. When done properly, a frozen turkey can last for up to 12 months.
When freezing a turkey, it’s important to do so as soon as possible after purchasing it.
You’ll also want to make sure that you wrap it tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap, as this will help to prevent freezer burn.
Lastly, make sure to write the date on the turkey before freezing it, so you’ll know how long it’s been in the freezer.
Following these tips will help to ensure that your turkey is fresh and safe to eat.
How do you properly store a fresh turkey in the fridge?
To properly store a fresh turkey in the fridge, you’ll want to make sure that it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper.
You’ll also want to write the date on the turkey, so you know how long it’s been in the fridge.
It’s also important to make sure that your fridge is set to 40 °F or lower.
If your fridge is set any higher than that, you’ll need to cook the turkey more quickly.
Also, make sure to cook the turkey as soon as possible. The longer a turkey is stored, the more time bacteria have to grow.
Leftover tips for cooked turkey
If you have leftover cooked turkey, make sure to store it properly in the fridge. Leftover turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
When storing leftover turkey, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper.
You’ll also want to write the date on the turkey, so you know how long it’s been in the fridge.
If you have any leftover turkey that you won’t be able to eat within four days, make sure to freeze it. Frozen turkey can be stored for up to four months.
When freezing turkey, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper. You’ll also want to write the date on the turkey, so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.
When thawing the frozen turkey, make sure to thaw it in the fridge. Do not thaw a frozen turkey at room temperature, as this can allow bacteria to grow.
Do not refreeze thawed turkey, as this can allow bacteria to grow.
What are some signs that your turkey has gone bad?
According to the USDA, there are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your turkey has gone bad.
First, you’ll want to check the color of the turkey. If it’s anything other than a pale white or light tan, it’s likely that the turkey has gone bad.
Second, you’ll want to check for any slimy residue on the turkey. This is a sign that bacteria have begun to grow on the meat, and it’s no longer safe to eat.
Lastly, you’ll want to smell the turkey. If it smells sour or otherwise unpleasant, it’s likely that it has gone bad.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw the turkey away.
When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw the turkey away.
It’s not worth risking your health for the sake of saving a few dollars.
What to do if your fresh turkey has gone bad?
If you think that your fresh turkey has gone bad, the best thing to do is to throw it away.
It’s also important to make sure that you clean your fridge thoroughly after throwing away the turkey.
This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your fridge clean.
Lastly, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the turkey. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria to yourself or others.
Turkey is a delicious and nutritious meat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
However, it’s important to make sure that you store and cook it properly to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
In summary, fresh turkey can be refrigerated for up to two days. However, make sure that you follow the tips and recommendations mentioned above.
I hope that the tips I shared in this post will help you store your turkey successfully for future use.
Thank you for reading.
