TURKEY is known for being a staple on Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving in the US, but it's also a delicious and versatile meat to be enjoyed all year round.
A large amount of meat normally comes off a turkey, meaning there is often a bit leftover to enjoy in sandwiches, but it is also possible to eat leftover turkey warm.
Can you reheat turkey?
Yes, you can reheat turkey - though certain steps must be followed to ensure it is safe.
Turkey is at its tastiest when it is served as soon as it has been cooked but if that is not possible, for example if you are meal-prepping and need to cook it in advance, then it is ok to eat after cooking.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has given guidance on how to properly look after turkey leftovers.
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They say the meat should be cooled to room temperature and then covered, wrapped, or placed in a sealed container.
The turkey should then be kept in the fridge for no more than three - four days until reheating.
What is the best way to reheat turkey?
You can reheat your turkey in the microwave or in the oven.
You must make sure it is piping hot before serving.
According to British Turkey, it is best to separate the bird into parts if you're wanting to use a microwave.
You should do this instead of trying to microwave the whole bird at once, and being careful to make sure you get rid of any bones.
Their website states: "We would not recommend this for whole birds. Portions without bones could be cooked if very careful.
"For four turkey steaks each about 150g/5oz in weight, cook on a high for six to nine minutes and allow to rest for five minutes.
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They go on to add: "Do not cook the turkey drumsticks in the microwave. Boneless turkey breast can be cooked.
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"Place turkey breast in a microwaveable container, cover, and cook on medium (50 percent) power for 12 to 15 minutes per 450g/1lb.
"After cooking remove, cover, and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes or until the turkey registers 78ºC/170ºF on a meat thermometer.”
You can keep cold, cooked turkey meat in the fridge for up to four days, but always use your best judgement on deciding whether to eat it or not.
Turkey can be frozen but make sure you defrost the leftovers thoroughly, ideally in the fridge overnight.
If this isn't possible, you can use a microwave on the defrost setting but, again, always reheat leftovers until steaming hot.
How many times can you reheat turkey?
As with other meats like chicken, steak and pork, turkey should only be reheated one time.
It is actually advised that all foods are not reheated more than once to avoid potentially ingesting bacteria that can multiply each time the food cools down.
Reheating meals multiple times increases the risk of potential food poisoning.
Each year around one million people in the UK get sick with food poisoning.
One of the main causes is Campylobacter, a bacteria which is transmitted to humans from animal products.
