All About Roasted turkey
Your complete guide to roasted turkey - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Roasted turkey Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for roasted turkey in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
deli sliced roasted turkey (opened, refrigerated)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky film on the surface, sour, sulfuric, or ammonia-like odor, dull or grayish discoloration, visible mold (white, green, black fuzzy spots).
How to Check
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Smell Test: A strong, sour, sulfuric, or ammonia-like smell is the most reliable indicator of spoilage.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any changes in color (dullness, graying, greenish spots) or the presence of mold.
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Touch Test: If the turkey feels slimy or unusually sticky to the touch, it has likely gone bad.
Storage Tips
Once opened, transfer any remaining deli meat to an airtight container or a resealable bag to minimize air exposure and maintain freshness. Prioritize consuming opened deli meats within the recommended timeframe, regardless of the original 'Use By' date.
cooked roasted turkey (refrigerated)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky film on the surface, sour or ammonia-like odor, dull or grayish discoloration, visible mold (white, green, black fuzzy spots).
How to Check
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Smell Test: This is often the first and most reliable indicator. A strong, sour, sulfuric, or ammonia-like smell is a clear sign of spoilage.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any changes in color (dullness, graying, greenish spots) or the presence of mold.
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Touch Test: If the turkey feels slimy or unusually sticky to the touch, it has likely gone bad.
Storage Tips
Ensure turkey is cooled rapidly (within 2 hours) after cooking before refrigerating. Store in shallow, airtight containers to minimize air exposure and prevent cross-contamination. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
cooked roasted turkey (frozen)2-6 months (best quality within 3-4 months)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery patches), off-odor after thawing (rancid, sour), significant change in texture (very dry, mushy, or fibrous) after thawing.
How to Check
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Visual Inspection: Look for extensive freezer burn, which appears as white or grayish dry patches. While safe to eat, quality will be significantly compromised.
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Smell Test (after thawing): Once thawed, check for any off-odors.
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Texture Test (after thawing): Assess if the texture is excessively dry, tough, or unusually mushy.
Storage Tips
To prevent freezer burn and maintain quality, wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use a vacuum sealer. Label packages with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Once thawed, use within 3-4 days and do not refreeze.
deli sliced roasted turkey (unopened, refrigerated)Until 'Use By' or 'Sell By' date on package (typically 1-2 weeks from purchase)
Signs of Spoilage
Packaging appears puffed or swollen (indicating gas production from bacteria), strong off-odor detectable through the packaging, visible discoloration (gray, green) or mold inside the sealed package.
How to Check
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Check Date: Always adhere strictly to the 'Use By' or 'Sell By' date printed on the package.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of the package swelling or puffing up. Check for any visible mold or unusual discoloration through the plastic.
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Smell Test (through package): If you can detect any sour, sulfuric, or foul odors even through the sealed packaging, do not open or consume.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Do not purchase if the packaging is damaged, torn, or appears to be puffed up. Once opened, refer to 'deli sliced roasted turkey (opened, refrigerated)' guidelines.