Thanksgiving is all about the food, and with all that cooking and planning, timing is everything — especially when it comes to the turkey. Once that turkey is cooked, have you ever thought about how long it can actually sit at room temperature? Many families leave their bird sitting out on center stage (or just on the stove) before and for the duration of the several-hour meal, which isnt the safest way to eat it. Here’s a look at the guidelines for keeping your turkey dinner safe.
These are hot smoked, so they are cooked and ready to eat. Which means technically you could just reheat them and eat as is. We have done this of course, and it is actually a delicious and quick meal, if you don’t mind the fact that they are a bit tough, with some connective tissue as legs and wings tend to have.
You Have Two Hours at Eat (and Store Leftovers) Once the Turkey Is Cooked
First, you want to make sure you cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (check the temp in at least two places with a meat thermometer to ensure both white and dark meat are cooked through). Once your turkey is cooked and cooled to room temp, you want to refrigerate the bird at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or eat well within two hours of removing the bird from the oven. For hot, juicy meat, you want your turkey to be ready 15 to 20 minutes before you begin your feast. This will allow about 15 to 20 minutes for the turkey to rest before you slice it.
To store turkey, slice the meat into smaller cuts about two to three inches in size, so they will cool quickly, and place in a resealable container. Leftovers can be stored for about four days or frozen for up to two months and should be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Why Is There a Two-Hour Time Limit?
Leaving cooked turkey out for a few hours can be cause for concern. Bacteria thrive at temperatures between 41 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is exactly where room temperature falls. Bacteria can be introduced onto your turkey if it is not cooked properly, by other raw foods through cross-contamination, or by humans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the bacteria Clostridium perfringens grows in cooked foods that are left at room temperature. It’s the second most common bacterial cause of foodborne illness. Symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal cramps appear within 6 to 24 hours after eating. Outbreaks of Clostridium perfringens occur most often in November and December. Many of the outbreaks are related to holiday foods like turkey and roast beef.
Can you eat smoked turkey raw?
FAQ
Do you need to cook a smoked turkey?
Can you eat smoked meat without cooking it?
Can you eat smoked turkey without reheating?
Is store bought smoked turkey already cooked?
Can you eat smoked turkey cold?
Although you can eat smoked turkey cold, it’s recommended to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as a safety precaution and for a better flavor. Can I use the sous vide method to reheat smoked turkey?
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Can you cook a fully cooked smoked turkey?
Yes, you can cook a fully cooked smoked turkey to enhance its flavors and texture. While it is not necessary to cook it further, you may choose to reheat it for a warm and juicy turkey. What is the best method to cook a fully cooked smoked turkey? The best method to cook a fully cooked smoked turkey is to use an oven.
Can smoked turkey be left out in the oven?
To maintain the taste and freshness of smoked turkey, it is important to properly cover it and store it in a cool place. If the turkey is ready ahead of time, it can be kept warm in the oven, but it should not be left out for more than 2 hours.