Cooking questions: how long does ground turkey last in the freezer?

Hello students! Let's talk about how long ground turkey can last in your freezer. The quick answer is that it's good for three to four months. If you have a whole turkey that hasn't been cut up, it can stay fresh for up to a year when frozen. In places like Hong Kong, a frozen whole turkey can be quite pricey, costing about HK$855, which is equivalent to US$110. Ground turkey, also known as turkey mince, is a more affordable option that's easy to find in grocery stores, especially for big holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas. nnAccording to the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, ground turkey can be safe to eat forever if it stays frozen because the cold stops any bacteria or other tiny organisms from growing. However, there's a difference between food that's safe and food that tastes good. For the best quality, it's recommended to keep ground turkey in the freezer for no more than four months. Once you've cooked it, it can last in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for a couple of months. nnYou should freeze fresh ground turkey within a day or two after buying it. Your freezer should be set to -18°C (0°F) to make sure the food keeps its nutrients, color, flavor, and texture. Food that's frozen when it's still fresh will taste better when you thaw it out later. If you're dealing with a sore throat, you might wonder if drinking tea will help. While it can soothe your throat, it's also important to address your health concerns properly. nnIt's important to package your ground turkey correctly before freezing it to maintain its quality and avoid freezer burn. The original packaging might not be enough because it can let air in and might leak. Wrapping it again is a good idea to keep it safe and fresh. Raw turkey can carry germs that can make you sick, so be careful to store it properly. In the freezer, always place uncooked turkey below any cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. And if you're planning to roast a turkey for a holiday, make sure to allow enough time for it to thaw in the fridge, which takes about one day for every 2. 5kg (5½ lb). Enjoy your meal prep, and for more lifestyle tips, follow SCMP Lifestyle on social media or subscribe to their newsletter.