Introduction
I love ground turkey because it’s a source of lean protein. I also like that I can buy a large package and make several meals for my family. It tastes great in tacos, quesadillas, or just plain old burgers. But what happens when your ground turkey goes bad? Is there any way to salvage it? Can you save it by freezing it? The answer is yes! By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to get the most out of your next purchase without wasting any food:
The bacteria growth cycle varies between 48 hours and 5 days.
The bacteria growth cycle varies between 48 hours and 5 days.
Bacteria grows rapidly in the first 48 hours, but it slows down after that point. The longer you wait before eating your ground turkey, the more time there is for bacteria to grow on it and make you sick.
The bacteria growth cycle is affected by temperature and moisture content of foods; higher temperatures allow for faster growth rates, while lower temperatures slow down this process considerably (even freezing food can inhibit bacterial growth).
Ground turkey can be kept in the refrigerator via several methods.
Ground turkey can be kept in the refrigerator via several methods.
- Keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days.
- Ground turkey can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- Cooked ground turkey should be refrigerated within two hours after cooking and used within 3 days; leftovers should be discarded after this time frame has passed (1).
Ground turkey will last longer if it is tightly wrapped and stored at a temperature of 40 degrees F or below.
- Wrap the turkey in plastic wrap, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
- Use a vacuum sealer to remove as much air as possible from the package.
- Store ground turkey in a cool, dry place (such as your refrigerator). This will help it last longer because bacteria need moisture to grow and thrive.
- Refrigerate immediately after cooking; you can store cooked ground turkey safely for up to three days before freezing it for future use.
Cooking ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F will kill bacteria that may cause food-borne illness; however, it does not destroy enzymes that can affect taste and texture of the meat.
You can cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to kill bacteria that may cause food-borne illness. However, cooking to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F will not destroy enzymes that can affect taste and texture of the meat.
Conclusion
Cooked ground turkey is an excellent source of protein, iron and B vitamins. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days before it starts to spoil. If you’re planning on eating your ground turkey within the next few days, there are several ways for you to keep it fresh and tasty until then!