Purchase too much turkey or need less than you thought? You may find yourself with a whole turkey that you’re not ready to cook, but you can’t leave it in the fridge. A fresh or thawed turkey will only last a few days. Freezing a whole turkey or turkey pieces can be an ideal way to extend its shelf-life and to even get ahead on shopping for next year’s holiday feasts.
Yes, freezing meat is a great way to save it to use for another time, but it’s important to know the meat’s quality can change when it’s stored for an extended amount of time in the freezer.
Here’s what you need to 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.
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How Long Can You Store Turkey In The Freezer?
Turkey can be safely stored in the freezer indefinitely, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, the flavor and texture tend to decline the longer it sits in the freezer.
The USDA offers recommendations for how long turkey can be stored in the freezer for optimal taste before it may begin to decline in quality:
- A whole turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.
- Turkey pieces are best consumed within nine months.
- Ground turkey can be stored for up to three to four months.
How To Properly Freeze Raw Turkey
According to the USDA, turkey can be stored in its original packaging. However, plastic wrap is permeable, meaning the meat is exposed to any air that penetrates the packaging. Meat that is exposed to air can lose its moisture, and freezer burn is more likely to occur. Although meat with freezer burn is considered 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. Turkeys in vacuum-sealed packaging can be frozen as is, but if the package is torn, you should overwrap it for protection.
How To Store Cooked Turkey In The Freezer
If you have a lot of leftover cooked turkey, it can only be stored in the fridge for three to four days. Storing it in the freezer for another meal is a good option. Similar to frozen uncooked turkey, you don’t want it to stay in the freezer long term as taste and texture will diminish over time. The USDA recommends only storing cooked turkey for three to four months in the freezer since moisture can be lost, which influences the quality of the meat. Store small portions of cooled, cooked turkey in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers and freeze.
How To Thaw Turkey
When you’re ready to thaw your frozen turkey, make sure you follow food safety protocols and plan ahead. Thawing turkey properly takes time. The recommended guidelines are 24 hours per 4 pounds of turkey. This means if you have a 12-pound turkey, you’ll need at least 72 hours (or three days) for it to fully defrost. The University of Florida Extension suggests three ways to defrost your turkey.
Thaw In The Refrigerator
To thaw the bird in your fridge, you’ll need to plan ahead. This method is the safest but it takes the longest amount of time. To defrost, place the turkey in its packaging breast side up on a large dish to catch drips, and place it in the refrigerator for the recommended length of time listed above. Once thawed, it can be kept in the refrigerator for two days.
Thaw In Cold Water
If you don’t have several days to thaw your turkey or it’s taking longer than expected, try this method. Keeping the turkey in its packaging, submerge it breast side down in a cooler, kitchen sink, or large container filled with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. This method takes about 30 minutes for each pound of meat, and the turkey should be cooked immediately after thawing.
Thaw In The Microwave
You can use the microwave to thaw the turkey using the defrost setting according to the manufacturer’s directions. This won’t work for large whole turkeys that simply won’t fit in the microwave, but you can use it for frozen turkey pieces and ground turkey. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.
The University of Florida Extension doesn’t recommend leaving turkey on the counter at room temperature to defrost, as this could create an environment for bacteria growth and put you or anyone who eats the meat at risk for a food-borne illness.
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