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How long can you keep turkey for?

Do you know how long leftover turkey lasts in the fridge for? 

One in three Brits thinks that cooked turkey can only be kept in the fridge for up to two days -  and half of UK adults think it's not safe to keep cooked turkey in the freezer for longer than a month.

These misconceptions are leading to lots of perfectly good turkey being thrown away over the festive season.

In reality, cooked turkey can stay chilled in the fridge for three to four days, or frozen for two to three months - much longer than many Brits think.

How to refrigerate turkey safely

To stay safe, turkey needs to be cooled down quickly - within 90 minutes. Cover the leftovers, then place them in the fridge. It's as simple as that!

If you're serving turkey cold from the fridge, be sure to only take the portion you need from the fridge - and leave the rest to stay chilled.

How to freeze turkey safely

Cut the meat into slices, and wrap it in freezer paper or foil. Seal in a freezer bag, squeezing all of the air from the bag as you go.

(Top tip: If you freeze the turkey with a layer of gravy, it’ll retain more moisture).

How to reheat frozen turkey

When you’re ready to eat the frozen turkey, thaw it overnight in the fridge, or use the defrost setting on your microwave (if you’re using this method, you should heat the turkey immediately afterwards).

When re-heating turkey meat, be sure to heat it so it's steaming hot all the way through - it should reach an internal temperature of 70C. 

Still hungry for more?