There is a need to monitor the product best before dates when you have food stored in your refrigerator to last you until your next shopping trip. Otherwise, you run the risk of ingesting goods that have gone bad.
But here’s the thing: unhealthy meals continue to be unhealthy even if their look does not suggest otherwise. Even the greatest among us occasionally have to check an object to determine whether it is safe, particularly if the item doesn’t appear to be as damaged on the exterior.
It’s worse with meats, and if you consume food that has gone bad, you put yourself in danger. In this article, we will examine ground turkey specifically, including how to identify rotten turkey, warning indications to watch out for, and proper turkey storage.
What is Ground Turkey and Why Does it Go Bad
Let’s start with the basics. What is ground turkey?
If not already obvious, this is meat from turkey that has been ground into some coarse paste. Usually, the leg and breast are used and mixed proportionately to give this ground. In most cases, some skin and fat are included to add texture and flavor.
Ground turkey doesn’t always have to be store-bought. Well, it’s easier to simply head to the store and pick out a pack, however, you can also do this from home with a meat grinder. This way, you are at liberty to incorporate all sorts of spices and grind them to a fineness of your liking.
Ground turkey makes an excellent choice for a wide range of recipes. You could have it to form patties for your burgers, as a healthier alternative to red meats, or even for the age-old Thanksgiving dinner tradition. There are no limits!
Sometimes folks imagine that by cooking the turkey, germs, and bacteria will die making the meat safely edible. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Like any other kind of poultry, turkey can go bad, and the easiest way to tell this is by looking at the labels “use before date.”
Even if the bird looks “okay” outwardly, do not make the mistake of going ahead to cook it. It could cause gastrointestinal complications and a myriad of related food-borne illnesses.
So, what exactly causes turkey to go bad?
Two major factors come into play here, the first being;
- Air exposure- no meat should be left out in the open. By doing so, you allow bacteria in the air to descend and accumulate on the turkey’s surface twice as much as when sealed. Air exposure could equally cause a color change.
- Temperature- warm, hot air is a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and microorganisms. Some of the most common pathogens include salmonella, staphylococcus, clostridium, and E. coli. They tend to multiply up to 5 times faster when in a conducive temperature of around 40°F. Once inside your system, you may begin to experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.
How Does Bad Ground Turkey Look Like?
The standard color of fresh ground turkey is predominantly white with a touch of pink. When the meat starts to turn rancid, this color begins to change and look dull. The more the bacterial accumulation, the more severe the discoloration, and you may even start to notice a green, yellow tinge on the surface.
Now a disclaimer here, older turkeys lack the classic white-pink hue and instead take on a slightly gray appearance. When buying, consult your butcher to know how aged the bird is, so you don’t end up tossing good meat.
Another indicator of bad ground turkey is its slimy texture. Usually, when fresh, it has a shiny, moist appearance that changes after a while to become tacky. This is because of the breakdown caused by active pathogens.
What About Its Smell?
When the color and texture seem a bit too hazy to figure out, use your nose to make the final decision. Rancid turkey gives off a distinct sulfur-like smell that only grows stronger over time.
Fresh turkey has almost no smell whatsoever so, if you happen to pick on an unusual odor, it likely is that something is wrong with your meat.
How to Tell if Frozen Turkey is Bad?
It’s harder to tell whether your turkey’s quality has been compromised particularly if it is rock solid. The freezing process can make the waters very murky, and that’s why it is almost impossible to distinguish at face value.
That said, defrosting your pack may be the way out. Has it laid out on a cool surface for it to thaw, dip in a cold water bath for some time, or toss it in your microwave and turn on the defrost setting? This makes properties such as color, texture, and smell more discernible.
If your ground turkey spots a freezer burn, stay alert. Freezer burns come as a result of moisture loss, and foods stored for 3 months and over are susceptible to this. It shows that the meat has been stored for a long time, and as a result, dark leathery patches start to appear. When cooked, these surfaces will be dry, tough, and lacking in taste.
Note that a freezer burn is not always a direct indicator of rancid meat; however, it can be a huge red flag.
How to Tell if Refrigerated Turkey is Bad?
Turkey left in the fridge is slightly easier to assess than that which has been left to freeze. Look for any mold patches or green-yellow spots anywhere in the mix. Again, take note of any smell if there is.
You may want to pick a portion of it and rub it between your fingers to test consistency. Some kitchen gloves may come in handy here if the thought of handling raw turkey makes you squirm. If the texture is slimy or sticky to the touch, you know that the turkey is inedible.
Stopping Ground Turkey from Going Bad
Like with most foods, there is no way to permanently prevent rotting because microbes eventually take over. However, proper storage practices may grant you longer shelf life and reserve the excellence of your turkey.
As mentioned earlier, air exposure and warm temperatures are front-line enemies, and these two need to be handled if you intend to increase your poultry’s life span.
First, avoid leaving the pack out at room temperature. Any temperature between 40F-140F is considered unsafe for storing turkey, and this is why cooler fridge air is so important.
But this is not enough in itself. You must follow the correct protocol when storing your turkey, or else it won’t matter that you used the refrigerator.
Wrapping your turkey in an air-tight container is paramount. Suppose you can get a vacuum sealer machine, even better because it pushes out all the air before closing the bag. Apart from curbing air exposure, this practice also reduces the chances of a freezer burn.
Remember, turkey can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. In the freezer compartment, it can last up to 4 months; however, expect deterioration in taste if it gets to this time frame.
FAQS
- How long does cooked ground turkey stay fresh?
In the refrigerator, 3-4 working days is okay, while it can last up to 4 months in the freezer. Only ensure to have the meat stored correctly and avoid opening the unit so often because this introduces warm air.
- How long should it sit out to thaw?
No more than two hours is a safe limit, especially if you are thawing at room temperature. Just ensure to use an air-tight bag and keep it away from direct sunlight.
That said, the preferred way to thaw frozen meat is to let it sit in the fridge. This eliminates any possible contact with warm air, and it can safely stay here for long hours.
- What is the proper way to defrost a ground turkey?
Defrosting can be done in either one of these three ways- a cold water bath, in the refrigerator, or the microwave.
In cold water, change the water every 30 minutes to keep the bath cool. In the refrigerator, you have greater leeway now that the turkey can safely defrost for 1-2 days before cooking. However, if you are pressed for time, the microwave is a quicker alternative. Here’s the catch though, only use the microwave if you’re going to cook the meat immediately because of the heat waves.
- Does ground turkey need covering while stored?
Yes, it does. Uncovered foods in the refrigerator can transmit odors and flavors to each other through the air. They can potentially share bacteria too. Covering prevents the occurrence of such and reserves the authentic taste of the ground turkey.
- How do I handle the turkey safely?
The biggest concern with raw turkey is cross-contamination. To avoid this, start with clean hands and surfaces. Use dedicated chopping boards, utensils, and work surfaces for preparation, then after this, come back to clean them thoroughly.
As a reinforcement, work with kitchen gloves when mixing in the spices or forming patties. Once done, toss away the used accessories and finish by washing your hands with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds.
Conclusion
Ground turkey will last longer when stored properly. Any signs of mold and rotten smells are reliable indicators that you are handling rancid meat. Be sure to source your turkey from a trusted vendor because this will contribute to a longer-lasting freshness.
Read further: How To Tell If Turkey Bacon Is Spoiled