How Long to Store a Fresh Turkey in the Refrigerator

What's New?

Contact Us

Home

Divine Dining Blog

How Long to Store a Fresh Turkey in the Refrigerator

by Dawna

Thanks for all your help in the past. I have a NEW question!

I picked up a fresh turkey today (the 18th) .. but we won't eat it until the 25th! So, if we only use 4 days for brining.. is it safe to keep my turkey in the fridge until the 21st and then start with the brining? Or should I start brining earlier and just keep it brining until the 24th?

Don't want to kill off my family with salmonella or anything ;)

Comments for
How Long to Store a Fresh Turkey in the Refrigerator

Click here to add your own comments

Fresh Turkey Storage Time Guidelines
by: Karen from DDP

Hi Dawna,

I'm not 100% sure about the fresh turkey storage time-- especially since it can change from turkey to turkey. Is there a sell-by date on the turkey at all? If so, I'd go with that, as long as the the turkey is unopened. Here's what I've gathered about fresh turkey storage: a locally raised turkey should only be stored 1-2 days (though I bet you could stretch it to 3). A commercially raised unfrozen turkey, though, can be kept in the fridge longer (as long as it's not opened). Usually 4-5 days.

Hope this helps! And that your Christmas turkey comes out totally gorgeous!!

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Turkey Questions