Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by Lauren Beck
Ground Turkey is a great option for a healthy, lean protein. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to pasta sauces. But how long does ground turkey last in the freezer?
Ground turkey will be safe to eat after 1-2 months in the freezer, but will be best if used within 6 months. Beyond that, the quality of the ground turkey will start to decline.
When freezing ground turkey, be sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap. This will help to prevent freezer burn, which can make the ground turkey tough and dry.
How Long Is Turkey Good In the Fridge?
Cooked turkey will be safe to eat after 3-4 days in the fridge.
Leftover turkey can be frozen for 2-6 months.
When reheating leftover turkey, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Things to Remember When Freezing Ground Turkey
Here are a few things to remember when freezing ground turkey:
- Ground turkey will be safe to eat after 1-2 months in the freezer, but will be best if used within 6 months.
- To prevent freezer burn, use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrap.
- Cooked turkey will be safe to eat after 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Leftover turkey can be frozen for 2-6 months.
- When reheating leftover turkey, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Tell If Turkey Is Good
If you’re not sure whether your ground turkey is still good, there are a few signs to look for.
First, check the expiration date on the package. If it has been more than 2 months since the expiration date, it’s best to throw it out.
Next, take a look at the color of the ground turkey. If it looks gray or dull, it’s probably not good anymore.
Finally, smell the ground turkey. If it smells bad, it’s probably not good to eat.
If you’re still not sure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Better safe than sorry!
How to Properly Store Turkey In the Freezer
Here are some tips for properly storing ground turkey in the freezer:
- Wrap the ground turkey tightly in freezer-safe wrap or store in a freezer-safe container.
- Label the ground turkey with the date it was frozen.
- Store the ground turkey towards the back of the freezer, where it will be coldest.
How Long Is Frozen Turkey Good For?
Frozen turkey will be safe to eat indefinitely, but the quality of the turkey will decline after 6 months.
When thawing frozen turkey, be sure to thaw it in the fridge, not on the counter. This will help to prevent bacteria from growing on the turkey.
Never refreeze thawed turkey, as this can lead to food poisoning.
How to Properly Defrost Raw Turkey
Here are some tips for properly defrosting raw turkey [1]:
- Thaw the turkey in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey.
- If you need to thaw the turkey faster, you can do so by submerging it in cold water.
- Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
- Never refreeze thawed turkey, as this can lead to food poisoning.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw turkey.
- Clean all surfaces and utensils that have come into contact with raw turkey.
- Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
How Long Does Ground Meat Last in the Freezer?
Ground meat, including ground beef, pork, lamb, and turkey, will be safe to eat after 1-2 months in the freezer. Beyond that, the quality of the ground meat will start to decline.
When freezing ground meat, be sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap. This will help to prevent freezer burn, which can make the ground meat tough and dry.
Conclusion
Ground turkey can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months, but is best if used within 6 months. When thawing frozen turkey, be sure to thaw it in the fridge, not on the counter. Never refreeze thawed turkey, as this can lead to food poisoning. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
Reference:
- https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/foodsafety/foods/turkey.html
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