Expiration & Storage Tips
When does ground turkey expire?
Ground turkey, when unopened and refrigerated, should stay good until the 'use by' date printed on its package. Typically, this is about 1 to 2 days after purchasing if fresh, or up to 2 weeks if cured. Once the ground turkey has been opened, we advise you to use it within a day or two, to make sure it's fresh and safe. In case you've gone ahead and frozen your ground turkey, it can last up to 3 to 4 months, while still maintaining its optimal taste and texture. Beyond that, while it might still be safe to consume, you may start noticing a decline in its quality.
How do you tell if ground turkey is bad?
To tell if your ground turkey has gone bad, use a combination of sight, smell, and touch! If you spot a change in color, usually to a greyish or greenish hue, that's your first sign. The smell could also give it away - if it has a strong, unpleasant, or sour odor, it's time to discard it. Finally, feeling slimy or sticky texture on the meat is a surefire sign of its degradation.
Tips for storing ground turkey to extend shelf life
• Always keep your ground turkey in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the back, and never in the door.
• If you're freezing your ground turkey, make sure to wrap it tightly in a freezer bag or aluminum foil, removing as much air as possible.
• Thawing frozen ground turkey should ideally be done in the refrigerator and not at room temperature to avoid bacterial growth - this may take up to 24 hours.
• If you've cooked ground turkey, store leftovers in covered containers and use within 3-4 days.