Shelf Life Tips
- • How long do cooked turkey pieces last in the fridge? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - refrigerate turkey pieces within two hours of cooking or purchasing.
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• To maximize the shelf life of cooked turkey pieces for safety and quality, refrigerate the turkey pieces in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
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• Properly stored, cooked turkey pieces will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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• How long can cooked turkey pieces be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; cooked turkey pieces should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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• To further extend the shelf life of cooked turkey pieces, freeze them; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
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• How long do cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for 2 to 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - cooked turkey pieces that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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• How long do cooked turkey pieces last after being frozen and thawed? Cooked turkey pieces that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; turkey pieces that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately.
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• How to tell if cooked turkey pieces are bad? The best way is to smell and look at the turkey pieces: discard any turkey pieces with an off smell or appearance, do not taste first.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
