Although turkey is a crowd-pleaser, it can be a little tricky to store and prepare before any event because of how huge they are. Figuring out how long you can keep fresh turkey refrigerated will help you decide when it’s best to buy the turkey and maintain its freshness. So, how long can you keep fresh turkey refrigerated? We’ve got you covered!
A freshly killed bird is fresh and delicious for up to 10 days from processing if kept very cold.
Step 1: Towel Dry the Turkey
Place the turkey on a cutting board and use a paper towel to pat it down until the skin is dry.
Since raw meat is kept in the fridge, condensation can form on its surface once it leaves the shop, especially in a warmer climates.
This excess moisture will turn into ice crystals, increasing the chances of freezer burn, as mentioned earlier.
Step 2: Wrap It Up
Now that you’ve removed excess moisture, you’ll need to wrap the turkey to minimize oxygen exposure. Oxygen changes food color and is the culprit behind the gray spots on the turkey’s surface.
You have plenty of wrapping options to choose from, like vacuum sealing, plastic wraps, and aluminum foil.
Here’s how to wrap the turkey in the mentioned options:
Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealing is the best choice to maintain meat freshness. Not only does it expel excess air, but it’s also effective in stopping oxygen from lurking back in through any pockets.
Plus, the absence of oxygen stops bacteria that require oxygen (aerobic bacteria) from growing.
The vacuum sealing process is simple. All you need to do is place the turkey in a large bag, smooth any ridges out, then seal the bag using a vacuum sealer.
Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap or Ziploc bags are your second best option if you don’t have a vacuum sealer. Plus, they’re more affordable. Just make sure they are freezer-friendly to resist moisture and vapor in the freezer.
For the plastic wrap, all you need to do is tightly seal the turkey with it. Then, place the wrapped turkey in a freezer bag.
On the other hand, you can achieve similar vacuum sealing results using a zip bag and water. To do so:
- Place the turkey in a large freezer zip bag
- Seal the bag leaving around an inch open
- Fill a pot, tub, or bucket with water
- Lower the bag slowly without submerging it completely in the water
- Seal the opening once the water pushes all the air out, and remove the bag from the water
Aluminum Foil and Parchment
Food-grade aluminum foil is another safe choice to freeze the whole turkey in. While it won’t keep the air out as much as vacuum sealing, it’ll still protect the meat from freezer burn.
All you need to do is tightly wrap the turkey with heavy-duty foil and make sure to smooth any air voids out.
How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator before cooking?
FAQ
How long should turkey rest after butchering?
How far in advance can you buy a fresh turkey?
How long can you keep a fresh Butterball turkey in the fridge?
How long can a brined turkey stay in the fridge?
How long can you keep a Turkey in the fridge?
This helps to prevent the spread of bacteria. Storage Duration: Ideally, a fresh turkey should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 1 to 2 days. Beyond this timeframe, it is advisable to freeze the turkey to extend its shelf life.
Can You Refrigerate a Turkey after it thaws?
Freeze the turkey if you don’t plan on cooking it before it expires. Keep undated turkeys refrigerated for up to 2 days after they thaw. A turkey is safe in the refrigerator until it fully thaws. After that, it stays fresh for a few extra days as long as it is still in its original packaging.
What temperature should a Turkey be refrigerated?
the optimal refrigerator temperature for fresh turkey is 39 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to slow the growth of bacteria and keep the turkey fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it in the refrigerator.
How long does a Turkey last in the freezer?
Store the turkey for up to 1 year for maximum freshness. Whole turkeys last an entire year, but turkey parts tend to not last as long. Parts like wings and drumsticks stay fresh for about 9 months in their proper packaging. Ground turkey is best when used within 3 to 4 months. Technically, turkey can be stored indefinitely in the freezer.