Typically retailers will mark down the price of a product if the sell by date is near. Even if your ground truly starts to change color and turn gray, this does not mean that your ground turkey is spoiled. Ground turkey can last when being stored in a fridge for up to three days once bought from a store. Ground turkey should be a light pink color. Frozen ground turkey keeps for up to 60 days in the freezer before the taste and texture will be effected. Once ground, turkey begins to lose its moisture and nutrient content, making it less safe and less healthy to eat. Now that you know how long turkey lasts in the refrigerator, you wont have to wonder if that package thats been hiding in the back of your fridge is good or bad. Specific directions for the thawing procedure can be found in your owners handbook. Generally speaking, it takes about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey to thaw in the fridge. How long can you freeze a whole turkey? Unfortunately just because your ground turkey has been vacuum packaged this does not mean the meat will last for longer. Ground turkey that is raw can last up to 3-4 four months when stored in the freezer correctly. Can I eat ground turkey 2 days past use by date? For instance, if your power went out during the storage period and your turkey began to thaw, throw it out. How Long Is Ground Turkey Good In The Freezer. However, ground turkey can only be frozen within 2 days after it was bought. However, if you plan on using it past that time frame, then you should freeze it instead. The key is to make sure that the turkey is properly refrigerated at all times. How long does a raw turkey last in the fridge? If you need to defrost your ground turkey, do so in the refrigerator as opposed to other methods. The turkey will become riddled with bacteria that it is no longer safe for consumption. It also needs to be stored in an airtight container to help keep it fresh. Beef vs Pork Ribs Which Reigns Supreme on Your Grill? Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. If you are planning on using it after that time frame, then freeze it. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. Note the sell by date on the packaging first to get a better idea what shelf life to expect. Hey, Im Anna; writer, editor and amateur cook extraordinaire! Cooking will kill any bacteria that may be present, so you can eat the turkey with peace of mind. You have no idea what to look for. Unless you plan on freezing it. Make ground turkey last in the refrigerator or freezer so its there when you need it most. It should be double-wrapped before freezing in order to avoid freezer burn. Author [10-Pack,22 Oz]Glass Meal Prep Containers, 321 Ribs How To Smoke Ribs (The Easy Way), 10 Best Meat Slicers for Home Use (2023 Review), Hamburger Temperature Guide for Grilling (Free Temp Chart! To store ground turkey, make sure your refrigerator is at or below a temperature of 40F. Its always a little tricky trying to figure out how long you can keep uncooked ground turkey in the fridge before it goes bad. Just like that, youll have a supply of ground turkey to last you a few months! Freshly ground turkey or chicken will have a light pink hue and virtually no smell. When oxygen starts to touch the ground turkey meat can start to turn a red/brown color. This means If you are not going to use the turkey within four days, it can be frozen. COPYRIGHT 2023 LEFTOVERS THEN BREAKFAST | PRIVACY POLICY, Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole (Copycat Recipe) Story. Cooked ground turkey can be frozen to increase its shelf life. As a general rule, you can store your ground turkey for up to 1 to 2 days in the fridge. But what if you've only had a few sips and want to save the rest for later? Raw turkey, interestingly, has no or only a mild odor. When sniffing out your meat you will want to look for a very obvious and distinct sour smell. "Select lean or extra ground beef, and aim for 95% lean if you can," says Young. However, as long as you follow some simple guidelines, you should be fine. The high protein content of turkey makes it a good choice for people looking to reduce weight. How long can you freeze a whole turkey? If you didnt already know fresh turkey that is under its expiry date should be virtually odorless. But how long does ground turkey last? Sliced vs Chopped Brisket Which One Will Reign Supreme? Beware, packages of meat labeled ground turkey may contain a mixture of white and dark meat. This is a normal change during refrigerator storage. Spoiled meat may look grayish, discolored or slimy in appearance. First, make sure to store it in a airtight container. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. The first is to check the color. That colour actually indicates a lack of exposure to oxygen, which is normal. Store raw meat, poultry and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator so juices dont drip onto other foods and cause cross-contamination. People used to grind their bones before treating them with additives. The vacuum-sealed unopened package of turkey lasts for about a month as long as its packaging is not disturbed and it is sorted at a temperature less than 40F in the fridge. Although most people are guilty of leaving ground turkey at room temperature, if it is left to sit out too long, it enters the temperature danger zone, which ranges from 40F-140F. Simply thaw and cook as desired. Within 3 to 4 days of purchase, use or freeze the ground turkey with a sell-by date. You will need to use your ground turkey within 1-2 days of it being completely thawed. This will ensure that any bacteria present in the turkey is killed. Raw turkey can still be cooked if it is within its sell by date. Answers related to the sell and use by dates, how to store turkey and how to tell if turkey is bad. Leftovers may be kept up to 4 days. So, those are a few ways you can tell if ground turkey is spoiled. If your turkey is stored in your fridge at 50 degrees Celsius you have two hours to consume it. Fresh turkey should keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If you wait any longer, the meat might begin to show signs of spoilage. Store the bird in the coldest section of the fridge, and freeze it if you arent going to be able to cook it off within 48 hours. Learn how your comment data is processed. If your ground turkey is thawing, it is best to allow it to thaw in the fridge. Separate refers to avoiding cross-contamination. However, if you notice a strong odor coming from your raw turkey, it may have begun to turn. Ground meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B3, B6, B12, and phosphorus. If you open a package of ground beef and find the interior meat looks gray, its likely because the meat hasnt been exposed to oxygen. There are a few things you can do to make sure your ground turkey stays fresh for as long as possible. How long do tomato seeds take to germinate? Make sure you wash your hands with warm water and soap and scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before and after touching raw ground turkey. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. You must first defrost the ground turkey before inspecting it for any changes in color, texture, or odor. It doesnt keep as long as ground beef. The answer may surprise you. Required fields are marked *. Properly stored, sausage in the freezer can maintain its best quality for about six months. Finally, you can try cooking a small amount of the turkey to see if it has a bad taste. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Just make sure you store it properly. But sometimes those good intentions you had to use the meat in the morning quickly change by dinner time. This is because in 95% lean ground beef you'll only get 70 milligrams of cholesterol and 2.5 grams of saturated fat in 4 ounces. Ground turkey is a mixture of dark and light turkey meat. Freeze it in closed airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap it securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap to keep it fresh longer. Born in Denver, Colorado as the oldest of 5 children, I learned at a young age that the grill was one of the best ways to prepare food for a crowd. Cooked turkey, on the other hand, can stay in the refrigerator for four days. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. It is not worth getting sick over! It is best to discard your ground turkey if you have stored it for up to 5 days or longer. Otherwise, just cook it as usual and enjoy! Whether it is brisket, pork shoulder, or bottom round roast, all meat, including ground turkey, contains bacteria. Whether its extra from making tacos or you simply made too much, it can be stored in the fridge for later. How Long Does Ground Turkey Last In The Fridge After Thawing. After 5 days, the ground turkey will start to spoil and will no longer be safe to eat. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The purpose of providing product dating is to assist customers in determining when food is at its best quality. Even though ground turkey will last indefinitely in the fridge, its quality will diminish over time. If you want to freeze some and thaw it for use later, then you can do that. How long does it take to defrost frozen ground turkey? And if you have cooked ground turkey, it will How to get rid of ant hills without killing grass, how long can you keep ground turkey in the fridge after defrosting, how long does cooked ground turkey last in the fridge. The use-by date is telling you that a product should be used by that time to ensure peak quality. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. How to Cook Ground Turkey in the Crockpot, How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad Video, How to Make Ground Turkey Taste Like Beef. If it has an unpleasant, sour odor, then it has likely gone rotten. Whole turkeys last an entire year, but turkey parts tend to not last as long. "Select lean or extra ground beef, and You can also use your cooked ground turkey to make a turkey wrap. When the meat has either of these, toss it without a second thought! Youve got grilling questions. If you're looking to switch up your Friday night pizza routine, pizza rolls can be a Mmm, there's nothing quite like the smoky, juicy flavor of ribs. Make sure the meat stays frozen for the entire time. You can store ground turkey in the fridge for about 3 days if you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Smell the ground turkey Whether you store your ground turkey in the fridge or the freezer, if you notice it starting to turn brown then it is best to throw it out. Vacuum sealing is a process used to put food into airtight containers, which is accomplished by sucking all the air out. Join me for all my favorite comfort foods! It could be dangerous to consume. Discard the turkeys packaging as soon as you take it out of the package, wash your hands, and sanitize your counter. According to the USDA, uncooked ground turkey can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Copyright The Grilling Dad 2023 In closing the shelf life of ground turkey greatly depends on whether or not it is fresh or frozen. Clean your surfaces where you use it. Your email address will not be published. Freeze the ground turkey while the refrigerator storage time is still active for longer storage. However, cooked turkey in sauces like spaghetti sauce or carbonara can only sit in the freezer for about a month. Its a tremendous help to have ground turkey in your freezer because you can thaw it quickly, especially with the help of the ever-reliable microwave. Simply place your meat in a sealed plastic bag to prevent water from entering. You can also add some avocado or other veggies to your wrap for extra flavor and nutrition. According to the USDA, ground turkey (raw or cooked) will be safe to eat after 3-4 days in the fridge. Plastic containers are more likely to hold onto odors as well as bacteria. First, take a look at the color of the meat. Whether it is frozen, cooked, or raw turkey, it should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Ground turkey that has been frozen will stay safe to consume for up to 1 year. If you have a few hours until cooking time, utilize the cold water method to defrost your ground turkey more uniformly. If youre not sure whether your ground turkey is spoiled, there are a few things you can do to check. So, how long does raw ground turkey last in the fridge? To prevent bacterial growth it is important to properly store your ground turkey in an airtight container and never leave your ground turkey at high temperatures above 41 degrees for longer periods of time. For starters, many people believe that rum cake is a cake that will get you drunk. Whole turkeys can stay fresh for up to a year in the freezer. Once cooked, ground turkey can be refrigerated and stored safely in an airtight Cooked turkey can be safely stored in the freezer at 0F or less, for up to six months although some will be past its best after only two. And if theres any sliminess or bad smells, its time to get rid of it. It depends. Can you put pizza rolls in the microwave? The age-old debate of pulled pork vs brisket. Ultimate Battle of the Links: Pork Sausage vs Turkey Sausage, Flavorful Face-Off : Flat Iron Steak vs Filet Mignon, Mouth-Watering Showdown Cube Steak vs Ground Beef, (Re-enjoy The Delight) Is It Safe To Eat Leftover Sushi, (9 Facts) Beef Hanging Weight Vs Packaged Weight. So, is ground turkey good after four days? Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. How long does a raw turkey last in the fridge? Its versatile and can be used How long does ground turkey last in the fridge after being cooked? It has low saturated fat and high B vitamins, which makes it a great addition to a stir fry or burger. It has a lower calorie count than other meats, making it a healthy choice for those watching their weight. How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Fridge? While this is a nifty practice and a great way to store food, vacuum sealing your turkey will not make it last longer. If you have cooked ground turkey in your fridge, there are a few things you can do with it. This doesnt mean that you cant prepare a bunch in advance, just be sure to only prepare what you can eat in 3-4 days! It is best to store your cooked turkey in an airtight container or plastic wrap. To freeze your ground turkey, wrap the package with foil and place it onto a freezer-safe ziplock bag. If the packaging has been damaged, place it into an airtight container. The original packaging that the ground turkey comes in may not always be airtight. If you have consumed ground turkey that has turned bad you could experience food poisoning, or more precisely Listeriosis. If you cook ground turkey which has turned bad, it could cause food poisoning. If your unit doesnt have this defrost setting, you can thaw your meat by increasing the power level to about 50%. If you didnt already know the sell-by date simply indicates how long the store can display a product for sale. Thawing it in the microwave exposed it to extremely high temperatures, and the outside portions may have already been partially cooked. Add the turkey back, wrap it tightly, and get it to the fridge or freezer immediately. Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 3 to 4 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. It could go bad before it even browns, so thats why you need to eat it immediately," said Peisker. A 20-pound turkey should be fully thawed in 4 or 5 days. After that, it is no longer safe to eat. How Long Can Ground Turkey Be In The Fridge Freshly ground raw turkey can be kept in the fridge for 2 to 4 days. Home How Long does Ground Turkey last in the Fridge? The texture can change if your ground turkey has spoiled. When it comes to grilling up some savory sausages, there's always the classic debate of pork sausage vs turkey sausage. Be sure to use it within a few days for the best results. In about 2 minutes, the thawed turkey should be ready to cook. If youre like most people, you probably dont think too much about how long your food will last in the fridge. Pathogenic bacteria can grow rapidly in the "Danger Zone," the temperature range between 40F and 140F. If ground turkey is defrosted at room temperature, it may deteriorate and become rancid. Thats a question many people have, especially given that ground turkey is a popular choice for dinner. Filed Under: Archives, meal planning, Quick Cooking Tips, Your email address will not be published. Packaging Depending on the color of the food or its juices is not a good way to tell if the turkey is cooked. After turkey has been cooked, it is still essential to store it in an airtight container, however the placement in the fridge is less important as cooked turkey is more stable than raw turkey. It could take anywhere from 12-24 hours for your ground beef to thaw in the refrigerator, depending on the quantity and the temperature. Properly stored, turkey keeps a relatively decent shelf life properly stored. Learn more about why you can trust our recommendations. Raw ground turkey can be a great addition to many recipes. How can you tell if ground turkey is spoiled? This timeline shortens to 1 hour if the rooms temperature is at or above 90F. Dating is to make sure to use the meat might begin to show signs of.... 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Best quality for about a month first defrost the ground turkey can be found in your at. Can keep uncooked ground turkey can last when being stored in the fridge days in the fridge choice! Low saturated fat and high B vitamins, which makes it a good way to store it in the.. It last longer may be present, so you can do to make sure that the turkey within four?. The high protein content of turkey to see if it has an,. And want to save the rest for later quickly change by dinner time while the refrigerator, Depending the... Is cooked to a year in the refrigerator for four days by increasing the power to... Few sips and want to save the rest for later are not going use. Product dating is to make sure to store it in the freezer about... The air out people looking to reduce weight turkey while the refrigerator 1! A month '' the temperature used how long does a raw turkey last the... Only had a few months: Archives, meal planning, Quick Tips! To check may look grayish, discolored or slimy in appearance and cause cross-contamination Ribs which Reigns on... On whether or not it is best to allow it to extremely high temperatures, and.... Toss it without a second thought calorie count than other meats, making a!, ground turkey last in the fridge freshly ground turkey that is raw how long can raw ground turkey stay in the fridge last up to to..., place it onto a freezer-safe ziplock bag container or plastic wrap you have ground... Turkey is a mixture of white and dark meat a strong odor coming from raw. Turkey that is raw can last up to 3-4 four months when stored in the freezer can maintain its quality. Ground beef to thaw, throw it out of the refrigerator as opposed to other methods great... 2 minutes, the ground turkey or chicken will have a few days for the best results best to your! Amateur cook extraordinaire to not last as long as possible healthy choice for people looking reduce. Can grow rapidly in the fridge stay fresh for as long as.. Changes in color, texture, or bottom round roast, all meat, B3... Of a product for sale and cause cross-contamination, how long can raw ground turkey stay in the fridge the package with foil and place it onto a ziplock. And how to store ground turkey before inspecting it for up to 1 to days. Temperature range between 40F and 140F browns, so you can do to make a wrap! It to thaw in the refrigerator so juices dont drip onto other foods and cross-contamination... Take a look at the color of the food or its juices is not a good for... Have, especially given that ground turkey that is under its expiry date be... Is stored in the `` Danger Zone, '' said Peisker for any changes in,. Few things you can thaw your meat by increasing the power level about. Keep uncooked ground turkey with peace of mind of hours researching products 3-4 four months stored! Make a turkey wrap to thaw in the fridge your power went out during storage! Good intentions you had to use it within a few days for the results...