Best ways to store leftover Christmas turkey to keep it succulent

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A succulent roast turkey often takes pride of place in UK homes on Christmas Day, with many saving the trimmings for Boxing Day sandwiches and more. But you may wonder what to do with leftovers that make it beyond the festivities.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advised: "There are many different ways you can reuse and reinvent your Christmas leftovers and make your food go further. Freeze any leftovers for future dishes. Freezing acts as a pause button. It is safe to freeze food right up to and including the use-by date."

The FSA also noted: "You can freeze most food. This includes raw and cooked meats." Britons can safely store their cooked turkey in the freezer for an extended period, although after three to six months, the quality might decline due to freezer burn, which occurs when food is exposed to the freezer's cold, dry air for too long.

For optimal taste, it's best to consume frozen meats within two to three months, especially if there's a surplus of turkey. Remember to label the meat clearly and ensure it's fully thawed before consumption, reports the Express.

Once defrosted, leftover turkey should be eaten within 24 hours. If you're not freezing your leftover meat and prefer to refrigerate it, store it in small, sealed containers.

Cooling the turkey down and refrigerating it within a few hours is crucial. The FSA also recommends splitting leftovers into smaller portions to help cool food quickly. Cooked turkey, when stored in the fridge away from raw meats, is typically safe to eat within four days.

Other Christmas leftovers like fruit and potatoes can also be frozen. Before freezing, potatoes should be boiled for five minutes, while fruit can be kept in airtight containers. Grated cheese, eggs, and baked goods can be stashed in the freezer until required.

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