The turkey is always the star of the Thanksgiving banquet, however whether you make something like our Roast Spatchcocked Turkey or a Turkey Roulade, you’re bound to end up with some leftovers.
That’s delighted news: Leftover turkey makes for a pleasant addition to a sandwich or casserole after the holiday comes to an end– but only if it has been stored appropriately. To that end, we asked a food safety expert to share her insights on what you need to know about remaining turkey, including the best methods to store it and the length of time it lasts in the fridge or freezer.
Leftover Turkey Quality
Any leftover turkey you store will weaken in quality gradually, says Abigail Snyder, an assistant teacher in the food science department at Cornell University. You can keep cooked turkey in the freezer practically forever, though, as microbial development will stop when the food is frozen.
The Length Of Time Leftover Turkey Lasts in Fridge or Freezer
When kept in the refrigerator, turkey does not last as long. Snyder points to the USDA FoodKeeper app for finest guidance: The tool keeps in mind that cooled, prepared turkey must be eaten within 4 days. Eat frozen turkey leftovers within 6 months for leading quality.
Freezer Burn
” Other slower changes to quality, like freezer burn, can ultimately render leftovers undesirable,” Snyder says, keeping in mind that this is not an issue of safety when it pertains to frozen leftovers. The turkey is safe to consume if it has freezer burn, however the reduced quality makes it unappetizing.
Saving Leftover Turkey Safely
The best method to keep turkey, whether it remains in the fridge or freezer, is by placing leftovers in air-tight containers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that your leftover turkey must be sliced or divided into little amounts and saved within 2 hours. This allows for the leftovers to cool quickly and equally in the fridge and freezer.
Signs of Spoilage
Know any signs that your turkey is past its prime. “Consumers can inform remaining turkey has ruined by utilizing their senses,” states Snyder. “Refrigerated turkey leftovers that have actually ruined may be slimy or have a bad odor.”
If the turkey has been saved in the freezer, you will have the ability to inform if it is no longer safe to eat if it is blemished, hard, or dry.
Consuming Stored Leftovers
It’s likewise essential to remember to take in turkey leftovers in a timely manner. “Perhaps the finest thing people can do to lower food waste is to have a plan for when and how they will consume their leftovers,” says Snyder.
