In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long can you keep turkey bacon in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of turkey bacon. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled turkey bacon.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can you keep turkey bacon in the fridge?
Turkey bacon lasts in the fridge for 7-14 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit but it is recommended to use it within the first 7 days to enjoy its optimum quality. It should be kept in a plastic zipper bag or air-tight container on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for turkey bacon’s expected shelf life.
What is the best temperature to keep turkey bacon at?
Turkey bacon should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your turkey bacon at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does turkey bacon last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, turkey bacon lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, turkey bacon left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and turkey bacon left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does turkey bacon last in the freezer?
Turkey bacon lasts for 6 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the turkey bacon extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth on the turkey bacon.
How to defrost frozen turkey bacon?
You can quickly defrost frozen turkey bacon by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days before reheating/cooking and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting the frozen turkey bacon in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after reheating/cooking it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to vacuum seal turkey bacon?
You may even vacuum seal your turkey bacon at home to extend its shelf life. It involves placing the turkey bacon in a plastic zipper bag, eliminating the air, then nearly sealing the bag with a small amount of space remaining while lowering it into water.
After that, start pressing out the bubbles starting from the bag’s bottom and work your way up to the sealed end, closing the bag’s seal.
A vacuum sealer pump can also be used to easily vacuum seal turkey bacon at home.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated turkey bacon?
Once the previously cooked refrigerated/frozen turkey bacon has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the turkey bacon goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your turkey bacon, and reheated turkey bacon should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled turkey bacon?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your turkey bacon has gone bad. To determine if the turkey bacon has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your turkey bacon or if it is discolored (brown, gray, or green), it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy turkey bacon since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Texture
If you touch the turkey bacon and it feels sticky, slimy, or gooey, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour or ammonia-like while sniffing your turkey bacon, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting cooked turkey bacon with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled turkey bacon. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your turkey bacon and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store turkey bacon?
- Until you’re ready to use the turkey bacon, keep it in unopened and sealed packaging. Coming into contact with air could harm the turkey bacon if it is opened.
- If you don’t use all of the turkey bacon, save any leftovers in an airtight bag. You can use a resealable storage bag, an airtight container, or even good plastic wrap.
- Turkey bacon should be stored on one of the refrigerator shelves rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature variation at the fridge door, which might affect its quality.
- It’s better to keep raw turkey bacon on the lowest level of the fridge to avoid it dripping on other foods.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the turkey bacon in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of prepared turkey bacon, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Cooked turkey bacon that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- Turkey bacon should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
You can read how to make turkey breakfast patties here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long can you keep turkey bacon in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of turkey bacon. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled turkey bacon.