Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Turkey Soup expire?
If you've bought store-bought turkey soup, it typically has a pretty good shelf-life, thanks to preservatives. Unopened canned turkey soup can last on your shelf for up to 2 years past the printed date. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and try to consume it within 3 to 4 days. If your turkey soup is homemade, consume it within 3 to 4 days for optimum freshness. When it comes to freezing turkey soup, you can keep it there for up to 4-6 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before eating.
How do you tell if Turkey Soup is bad?
If your turkey soup has gone bad, there are a few tell-tale signs. First off, trust your senses. If it has a strange smell, a layer of mold, or has changed color, then it's definitely a no-go. Sometimes though, soup can go bad without any visible signs. So, if you've had it for more than the suggested time, it might be safer to just throw it out than risk food poisoning.
Tips for storing Turkey Soup to extend shelf life
• Always store the canned soup in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperature fluctuations.
• If you've opened a can of soup, or you're storing homemade soup, it's better to pour it in an airtight container.
• For freezing your turkey soup, consider separating it into single servings. This lets you defrost only what you're going to eat.
• Defrost your turkey soup in the refrigerator, preferably overnight. It can take 24 hours for every 4 pounds of soup.
• If you suspect the soup was left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it's best to play it safe and toss it. Bacteria can multiply quickly in the 'danger zone' between 40 and 140°F.