How long does ground turkey last in the fridge? That’s a question many people have, especially given that ground turkey is a popular choice for dinner. The answer to that question may depend on the expiration date on the package, but typically, ground turkey can last in the refrigerator for up to four days after it has been opened.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how long does ground turkey last in the fridge and what you can do to make sure it stays fresh as long as possible.
Ground Turkey as Alternative to Ground Beef
Ground turkey is a low-fat and nutrient-rich meat that provides many health benefits. It has a lower calorie count than other meats, making it a healthy choice for those watching their weight. Additionally, ground turkey is high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent source of nutrition for vegetarians or people who are looking to increase their muscle mass.
Ground turkey is a popular meat alternative to ground beef. It’s lower in fat and calories, and has a slightly different flavor than ground beef.
It is lower in fat and calories, and has a milder flavor than beef. Ground turkey can be a good substitution for ground beef when making meatloaf.
Ground turkey is a mixture of dark and light turkey meat. Moreover, the meats are ground together to get rid of any remaining skin and fat in the mixture.
People used to grind their bones before treating them with additives. However, nowadays many people prefer buying commercial products because it is more convenient.
The drumstick is the lower joint of the turkey leg. It contains more connective tissue and less fat than the breast. It cost less than turkey breast, making it a better choice for grinding into ground meat.
Ground turkey is a healthy meat option because it is high in protein and can help with muscle growth. The high protein content of turkey makes it a good choice for people looking to reduce weight.
Ground turkey is a good substitute for red meat, such as veal or beef. If you don’t want to use ground beef, opt for ground turkey instead. Ground meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B3, B6, B12, and phosphorus. Additionally, ground meat is a good source of protein.
How To Prevent Ground Turkey From Going Bad
Ground turkey can go bad very quickly, just like any other type of raw poultry.
If you cook ground turkey which has turned bad, it could cause food poisoning. Cooking raw meat which has gone bad does not destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms, and these can lead to food poisoning.
The two main reasons why ground turkey will go bad quickly are temperature of the environment, and the air exposure.
When the temperature reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above, the growth of bacteria and microorganisms will multiply 4 to 5 times faster at this danger zone. This allows for toxic bacterial growth, making the turkey rotten and inedible.
When ground turkey is exposed to air, the bacteria levels can be 2 times or more than when stored in a sealed container.
The ground turkey with a pink color and the longest expiry date are likely to be of the highest quality. If you have any doubts about the freshness of your ground turkey, it’s a good idea to discard them immediately. It’s not worth risking your health.
3 Signs of Spoilage – How To Tell If Ground Meat Has Gone Bad
Due to the fact that “best if used by/before”, “sell by”, “use by” and “freeze by” dates can be confusing, and they are not an indicator of a product’s safety, culinary professionals advise home cooks to perform their own assessment of any meat products before cooking them, in order to ensure that they are not spoiled.
Ground turkey which has gone bad will have a change in color of the meat (a darkening or fading), an off or sour smell, and a slimy texture that is different from fresh ground turkey.
Smell the ground turkey after removing it from the fridge. Raw turkey, interestingly, has no or only a mild odor. If you notice any sour or other unpleasant odors, throw them away immediately.
Bacteria including Escherichia coli (E.coli), salmonella, and other pathogens thrive in spoiled rancid meat. When you eat bad ground turkey, you may experience a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including abdominal pain, fever, and intestinal infection.
The rotten eggs or sharp sulfur-like smell can be a clear indication that the ground turkey meat has gone bad.
Some people believe that ground turkey that is spoiled will often be largely gray or discolored, and its texture will be primarily slimy and tacky to the touch.
How To Store Ground Turkey
Ground turkey should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it from going bad.
Refrigerator
Ground turkey may be preserved for up to 48 hours; however, if it is not used within this period, it should either be cooked or frozen. The original packaging that the ground turkey comes in may not always be airtight. Place the ground turkey in a shallow airtight tank with a tight lead while refrigerating. You can also use heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap for wrapping goods as an alternative.
Freezer
Ground turkey can be safely frozen for up to four months and will retain its consistency and flavor. It can be stored for longer periods of time, although the taste and quality may suffer.
Raw ground turkey should be stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can use a heavy-duty freezer bag as an alternative. You can also use a wrap that is specifically made for use in the freezer, such as foil or aluminum.
It should be double-wrapped before freezing in order to avoid freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Does Ground Turkey Last In The Fridge
Is it safe to eat food after the expiration date?
According to USDA, with the exception of infant formula, if a product’s expiration date has passed during home storage, it should still be safe and wholesome if handled appropriately until spoilage becomes apparent. The purpose of providing product dating is to assist customers in determining when food is at its best quality. Dates, with the exception of infant formula, are not a reliable predictor or indicator of the safety of a product.
Foods that are spoiled will develop a strong odor, color change, flavor or texture that is due to spoilage bacteria. If a food has developed spoilage characteristics, it is not safe to eat and shall be discarded.
Is it possible to thaw ground turkey quickly?
It’s a tremendous help to have ground turkey in your freezer because you can thaw it quickly, especially with the help of the ever-reliable microwave.
Simply remove the wrapping from your frozen turkey and place it in a microwave-safe dish to defrost. If your unit doesn’t have this defrost setting, you can thaw your meat by increasing the power level to about 50%. In about 2 minutes, the thawed turkey should be ready to cook.
Is ground turkey edible after 5 days in the refrigerator?
To extend the shelf life of ground turkey, cooked ground turkey can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and uncooked turkey for 2 to 4 days if you know how to store it properly. Cooked or uncooked ground turkey will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 months if kept in the freezer.
After 7 days, can I eat cooked ground turkey?
Cooked ground turkey will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if refrigerated properly. Cooked ground turkey can be frozen to increase its shelf life. Place it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
Ground turkey is good for how long after the sell-by date?
Within 3 to 4 days of purchase, use or freeze the ground turkey with a “sell-by” date.
Why does my ground turkey have gray spots?
You must first defrost the ground turkey before inspecting it for any changes in color, texture, or odor. This minced meat is especially prone to freezer burn, which can be seen before the meat is defrosted. Freezer burn causes leathery, dark brown, or gray spots to emerge on the meat.
Is it safe to defrost ground turkey in the microwave?
Microwaving meat and poultry, such as frozen ground turkey, is a safe method to thaw them. Specific directions for the thawing procedure can be found in your owner’s handbook. It’s recommended to cook your turkey immediately once it has been defrosted.
Thawing it in the microwave exposed it to extremely high temperatures, and the outside portions may have already been partially cooked. Bacteria can grow rapidly in this area and could lead to food contamination or foodborne diseases.
What is the best way to thaw ground turkey in water?
If you have a few hours until cooking time, utilize the cold water method to defrost your ground turkey more uniformly. This is one of the easiest ways to defrost ground turkey. Simply place your meat in a sealed plastic bag to prevent water from entering. Immerse it in a bowl of cold water and change the water every half-hour to ensure that it continues to defrost.
What happens if you eat old ground turkey that has been sitting around for a while?
People who consume rotten turkey are more prone to become ill. Bad meat, like any other old, spoiled food, can make you sick and cause serious health problems. Rotten ground turkey can make you sick if the meat has been contaminated with pathogenic bacteria.
How long does it take to defrost frozen ground turkey?
The time it takes for your ground turkey to defrost will be determined by its size and the thawing method you select.
It will take 12 to 24 hours to defrost your meat in the fridge, which is the safest place to do it. It will take about an hour to thaw each pound of frozen turkey using the cold tap water approach. It will just take a few minutes if you use the microwave.
If ground turkey is defrosted at room temperature, it may deteriorate and become rancid.
Is it possible to freeze leftover turkey?
Leftover turkey can easily be frozen and defrosted. The meat must first be removed from the bones, and it may be sliced to help it thaw evenly.
