Following all the Christmas Day chaos – endless hours of vegetable preparation, turkey roasting and cracker pulling – the actual meal typically disappears in mere moments. Yet, you’re frequently left staring at an enormous amount of leftover turkey that simply cannot go to waste.
Whether you’re contemplating a post Boxing Day sarnie, a spiced turkey curry or a hearty pie to sustain the household for several days, it’s crucial to understand precisely how long cooked turkey remains safe in the fridge or freezer. Plus the proper methods for reheating it safely. Robin May, chief scientific adviser at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), commented on the topic.
Robin May previously told the Manchester Evening News: “No one likes being ill over the holidays, especially at a time when friends and family come together, including people who are more vulnerable to food poisoning, such as older relatives or those who are pregnant.”
He urged people to avoid taking needless and preventable risks whilst cooking, preparing, and storing food – emphasising the importance of following FSA guidance to remain safe. Here’s the complete guide according to the FSA and nutrition specialists.
Storing cooked turkey in the refrigerator
BBC Good Food states that cooked turkey may be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days, although it’s optimally consumed within two days to ensure peak quality.
To maintain food safety, the FSA advises ensuring your refrigerator operates at 5C or lower. Provided your fridge maintains adequate temperature, your festive leftovers will remain safe for consumption up to and including the use-by date.
The FSA recommends allowing your turkey to cool at room temperature before refrigerating it within one to two hours of cooking. Dividing leftovers into smaller portions not only speeds up the cooling process but also simplifies reheating later.
Storing cooked turkey in the freezer
Freezing leftovers is an excellent strategy for reducing Christmas food waste. The FSA assures that it’s safe to freeze cooked turkey right up until its use-by date, as freezing essentially “hits pause”.
Cooked turkey can be stored in the freezer for three to six months, although the quality may begin to decline over time due to freezer burn. This occurs when food is exposed to cold, dry air, leading to the formation of ice crystals that can alter the texture and taste of the food.
To avoid freezer burn, wrap leftovers tightly, use sealed containers, and consume frozen meat within three months for optimal results.
Reheating leftover Christmas turkey
The FSA advises that you can reheat cooked turkey provided it’s done safely. To properly reheat your turkey:
Make sure it’s piping hot all the way through – use a meat thermometer to check it has reached 75COnly heat leftovers onceNever refreeze defrosted leftovers
With some forward planning, you can transform your Christmas dinner leftovers into tasty meals and maintain a waste-free festive season.
Dining and Cooking