ShelfLife
How long does duck last?
Raw duck and goose, like other poultry, keep only 1 to 2 days in the fridge from purchase, and about 6 months in the freezer. Cooked duck keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Whole duck | 1–2 daysfrom purchase | 6 monthsfrom purchase |
| Whole goose | 1–2 daysfrom purchase | 6 monthsfrom purchase |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if duck has gone bad
- A sour, sulfur or ammonia smell, stronger than duck's usual rich smell.
- A slimy or sticky skin.
- Gray, green or dull discoloration, or mold on cooked duck.
How to store duck
- Keep raw duck in its wrapping on the bottom shelf of the fridge, in a dish to catch juices.
- Cook or freeze it within 1 to 2 days.
- Strain and save the rendered fat: it keeps for months in the fridge.
- Refrigerate cooked duck within 2 hours and eat it within 3 to 4 days.
Can you freeze duck?
Yes, for about 6 months. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn on the fatty skin. Thaw it in the fridge: about a day for every 2 kg (4 to 5 lb), and cook it within 1 to 2 days.
Questions
What temperature should duck be cooked to?
The USDA's safe minimum for all poultry is 74 °C (165 °F). Many cooks serve duck breast pink; that's a choice the USDA doesn't recommend.
How long does cooked duck last?
3 to 4 days in the fridge, and 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
How long does duck fat last?
Strained duck fat keeps several months in a sealed jar in the fridge, and longer in the freezer.
Add duck to ShelfLife when you buy it, and get a reminder within 2 days.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.