All About Turkey
Your complete guide to turkey - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Turkey Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for 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 turkey (sliced, unopened)1-2 weeks (or until 'use-by' date, whichever comes first)
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky texture; sour, yeasty, or vinegar-like smell; discoloration (e.g., greenish or gray patches); visible mold.
How to Check
Visual: Check for mold or unusual colors. Touch: If possible, feel for a slimy film. Smell: A distinct sour or off-odor is a clear sign of spoilage.
Storage Tips
Always adhere to the 'use-by' or 'best-by' date on the package. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
raw in fridge (opened or repackaged)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Same as unopened: dull, grayish-pink or greenish color; slimy or sticky texture; strong, sour, rotten, or 'off' odor.
How to Check
Visual: Check for color changes. Touch: Feel for sliminess. Smell: A strong, unpleasant odor is a clear sign. Do not taste.
Storage Tips
If the original packaging is compromised or opened, re-wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container to minimize air exposure and prevent cross-contamination. Use within 1-2 days.
raw in freezer (whole or parts)Whole turkey: 1 year; Turkey parts: 9 months; Ground turkey: 3-4 months
Signs of Spoilage
Upon thawing: strong, unpleasant odor; significant freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery spots) indicating loss of quality, though not necessarily unsafe if freezer burn is minimal. Severe freezer burn can make meat tough and flavorless.
How to Check
Visual (after thawing): Look for freezer burn (grayish, dried-out patches). Smell (after thawing): Any strong, off-odor indicates it was likely spoiled before freezing or during improper thawing. Do not cook if it smells bad.
Storage Tips
Wrap turkey tightly in freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Thaw safely in the refrigerator, microwave, or cold water bath; never at room temperature.
raw in fridge (unopened, whole or parts)1-2 days (whole turkey), 1-2 days (ground turkey or turkey parts)
Signs of Spoilage
Dull, grayish-pink or greenish color; slimy or sticky texture; strong, sour, rotten, or 'off' odor.
How to Check
Visual: Inspect for color changes from fresh pink to dull gray or green. Touch: If the package allows, feel for any sliminess or stickiness. Smell: A distinct, unpleasant, putrid smell is the most reliable indicator.
Storage Tips
Always store raw turkey on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any drips from contaminating other foods. Ensure packaging is intact. Plan to cook or freeze within 1-2 days of purchase.
cooked in fridge (leftovers)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, yeasty, or unpleasant odor; slimy film on the surface; discoloration (e.g., green or gray patches); visible mold.
How to Check
Smell: Sniff for any sour, spoiled, or off-putting smells. Visual: Look for unusual color changes or fuzzy mold spots. Touch: Check for a slimy or sticky texture that wasn't present when fresh.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked turkey quickly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating. Store in shallow, airtight containers to promote rapid cooling and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
cooked in freezer2-6 months (depending on preparation; plain meat generally lasts longer)
Signs of Spoilage
Upon thawing: freezer burn (dry, discolored areas) affecting quality; off-odor or unusual taste (more a quality issue than safety if properly cooked and frozen).
How to Check
Visual (after thawing): Check for freezer burn. Smell (after thawing): Any truly off or sour smell. The main issue here is quality degradation over safety if frozen correctly.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked turkey completely before freezing. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date. Best used within the shorter end of the range for optimal flavor and texture.
deli turkey (sliced, opened)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or sticky texture; sour, yeasty, or vinegar-like smell; discoloration (e.g., greenish or gray patches); visible mold.
How to Check
Visual: Look for any mold growth or changes in color. Touch: Feel for a slimy or sticky film on the surface. Smell: A sour, vinegar-like, or otherwise unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Once opened, re-seal the package tightly or transfer the deli meat to an airtight container to minimize air exposure and maintain freshness. Discard immediately if any spoilage signs are present.