Too often, turkey mince is sold is large quantities that you might not need in one sitting – especially if you live alone! If you’ve got leftover turkey mince sitting in the packet, what is the best way to store it?
Can You Freeze Turkey Mince?
Yes, you can freeze turkey mince for up to 3 months. Wrap a portion of turkey mince in baking paper and cling film before popping the package into the freezer.
How to Freeze Turkey Mince
Freezing turkey mince is much easier than you might think. There are a few vital steps you’ll want to take, however:
- Transfer to Baking Paper
Transfer the minced turkey from the container that you bought it in to a sheet of baking paper. You may want to do this in portions if you know you only use 150g of turkey mince at a time, for example. - Wrap
Wrap the baking paper sheet around the turkey mince, forming a complete layer. Allow for a little air around the turkey mince, as proper air flow will likely reduce the chance of freezer burn over time. - Wrap Again
Wrap the sealed parcel in a tight layer of cling film, forming a good seal with the cling film pressed against itself. This prevents the humid air of the freezer from interfering with the mince. - Bag Up, Optional
If you are freezing multiple packages of turkey mince, then it can be a good idea to pop it all into a large freezer bag so they all stay together. You can then label this bag with the contents. - Freeze
Finally, pop the bag or packages of turkey mince into the freezer, where they can be kept for around 3 months.
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey mince. To do so, allow it to cool, then portion it out and place each helping into its own freezer-safe bag. It’s fine to freeze turkey mince with sauce, gravy, or even if it’s plain.
How Long Can You Freeze Turkey Mince?
Generally, turkey mince can be frozen for around 3 months.
Turkey mince contains water, fats, and proteins. When frozen, the water inside the meat forms ice crystals. Over time, these ice crystals can grow larger, leading to freezer burn. This is why you should limit how long turkey mince is in the freezer to around 3 months.
Freezer burn doesn’t make the meat unsafe to eat, but it can degrade the texture and flavour – we’ve written about the impact of freezer burn here if you want to learn more.
Raw turkey mince will only last 1-2 days in the fridge. If you’re not planning to cook it immediately, it’s best to freeze it. Once home, consume it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
How Do You Defrost Turkey Mince?
The best way to defrost turkey is in the fridge, overnight. This method requires planning as it can take 12-24 hours for the turkey mince to thaw completely (use our turkey defrost time calculator to help).
To use this method, remove the frozen turkey mince from the freezer, place it in a bowl or container, and cover it. The bowl should then be placed on the bottom shelf of the fridge and left to sit for 12 to 24 hours.
It’s essential to use the meat within 48 hours after thawing.
Yes, you can defrost turkey mince in the microwave. Remove it from its original packaging, place it in a microwave-safe dish, and use the defrost setting. Ensure even thawing by checking and turning the mince periodically. Once defrosted, cook it immediately.
Yes, of course, but you must ensure it is fully defrosted beforehand. You should not cook turkey mince from frozen. You may burn the outside before the inside has cooked through.
Can You Refreeze Turkey Mince?
When it comes to refreezing meat, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution. That’s why I’d always avoid refreezing it. Not only can it be unsafe but it can also ruin the texture of the meat.
Having said that, if you have frozen raw turkey mince, defrosted it and then cooked it in a dish then you can freeze this now-cooked dish without any problem.
Does Turkey Mince Freeze Well?
It does freeze well, sort of…
On one hand, it’s super convenient and great for bulk buying or meal prep. On the other, while it won’t completely ruin the mince, it does take a slight hit in terms of texture and flavour.
Sources
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