If you buy your turkey early, will it still be good at Thanksgiving?
Purchase too much turkey or need less than you thought?
A fresh or thawed turkey will onlylast a few days.
Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Here’s what you better know about how long frozen turkey is good for in the freezer.
Plus, get tips for storing turkey properly so it’s more likely to maintain its flavor and freshness.
However, the flavor and texture tend to decline the longer it sits in the freezer.
Meat that is exposed to air can lose its moisture, andfreezer burnis more likely to occur.
Although meat with freezer burn isconsidered safe to eat, the taste and texture will change.
One of the ways to ensure your turkey is stored properly is to overwrap it in plastic.
Storing it in the freezer for another meal is a good option.
Thawing turkey properly takes time.
The recommended guidelines are 24 hours per 4 pounds of turkey.
The University of Florida Extension suggests three ways to defrost your turkey.
This method is the safest but it takes the longest amount of time.
Once thawed, it can be kept in the refrigerator for two days.
Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
The longer it is frozen, the more its quality deteriorates.
If you forgot to thaw the turkey, you’re free to cook it without thawing.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Turkey from Farm to Table.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Freezing and Food Safety.
U.S. Department of Agriculture AskUSDA.How long can you keep leftover cooked turkey?
University of Florida Extension.Food Safety for the Holidays: Preparing the Turkey.
