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A turkey that was previously frozen and then defrosted is referred to as thawed. The process of thawing a turkey involves taking it out of the freezer and letting it sit at room temperature until it is no longer frozen.

As the holidays rapidly approach, so does the time when you will need to purchase and prepare a turkey for your family feast. If you are like most people, you may have questions about how to thaw and store your turkey safely. You’re in luck! This guide provides complete instructions on how to thaw and store your turkey properly so that you can enjoy a delicious and safe holiday meal.

How Long Can You Keep A Thawed Turkey In The Refrigerator?

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The maximum amount of time that a turkey that has been thawed can be stored in the refrigerator is four days. After it has been cooked, a turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days or frozen for two to six months, depending on which option is chosen.

When it comes to food safety, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when storing your thawed turkey. First, make sure the turkey is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent any bacteria from getting on the meat. Secondly, be sure to place the turkey in the fridge on a lower shelf so that it doesn’t come into contact with any raw food. Finally, make sure you cook the turkey within four days of thawing.

The general rule of thumb is to use the following day’s guidelines. For example, if you plan to cook your turkey on Thursday, you should thaw it in the fridge on Wednesday. Here are some other guidelines to help you remember how long a thawed turkey can stay in the fridge:

• A whole turkey can last in the fridge for up to four days.
• A turkey breast can last in the fridge for up to three days.
• Ground turkey can last in the fridge for up to two days.

If you’re not sure how long your turkey has been thawed, it’s best to err on the side of caution and cook it sooner rather than later.

The best way to thaw a turkey is in the fridge. Simply place the frozen turkey in the fridge 24 hours before you plan to cook it. This method is safe and will help to keep your turkey fresh. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw your turkey in cold water. Simply place the frozen turkey in a large pot or sink filled with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Thawing your turkey in cold water will take about 30 minutes per pound.

You should never thaw your turkey at room temperature. This can cause bacteria to grow on the meat, which can make you sick. Once your turkey is thawed, you’ll need to cook it within four days. Turkey can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, and frying.

Benefits Of Storing Thawed Turkey Properly

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There are many benefits to storing thawed turkey properly. When done correctly, it can help extend the shelf life of your turkey and keep it tasting fresh. Additionally, it can help prevent foodborne illnesses by ensuring that your turkey is free of harmful bacteria.

• When thawing your turkey in the refrigerator, be sure to place it on a tray or in a bowl to catch any drips. This will help keep your refrigerator clean and prevent cross-contamination.
• Be sure to cook your turkey within two days of thawing. Any longer than that and the quality of your turkey will start to decline. Cooking within this time frame will be juicier and more flavorful.
• When thawing your turkey in cold water, be sure to change the water every 30 minutes. This will help keep your turkey from getting too warm and will also help it thaw evenly.
• Be sure to cook your turkey within four hours of thawing in cold water. Cooked within this time frame will be juicier and more flavorful.
• If you need to thaw your turkey quickly, you can do so in the microwave. However, be sure to cook it immediately after thawing. Microwaved turkey that is not cooked right away is not safe to eat.

As you can see, there are several benefits to storing thawed turkey properly. By following these tips, you can help extend the shelf life of your turkey and keep it tasting fresh. Additionally, you can help prevent foodborne illnesses by ensuring that your turkey is free of harmful bacteria.

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Final Thoughts

How long can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator? Up to four days, according to the USDA. But that’s not necessarily the best answer for food safety. The USDA also says that once a turkey is thawed, it should be cooked within one to two days. 

So if you’re not planning on cooking your turkey within that time frame, it’s best to keep it frozen. There are other methods of thawing a turkey, such as in cold water or the microwave. But those methods come with their food safety risks. The bottom line is that the safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator.