How to Properly Store Fresh Eggs: Tips and Tricks for Food Safety

Proper storage of fresh eggs is essential to ensure food safety and extend their shelf life. Eggs are a versatile and nutritious food, but they can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not stored properly. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your eggs stay fresh for as long as possible.

1. Storing Eggs in the Refrigerator The best practice is to store eggs in the refrigerator immediately after purchase. The low temperature in the fridge slows bacterial growth and helps maintain freshness. Eggs should be kept at a constant temperature of about 4°C (39°F) or lower. Additionally, it is advisable to place them in the designated egg compartment in the fridge, not on the door, as the frequent temperature fluctuations from opening the door can compromise egg freshness.
2. Keeping Eggs in Their Original Carton It is recommended to keep eggs in their original cardboard carton. This packaging protects them from bumps and minimizes exposure to odors from other foods in the refrigerator, which could penetrate the eggs through their porous shells. The original carton also includes the expiration date and other useful information.
3. Placing Eggs with the Pointy End Down A simple trick to extend the freshness of eggs is to store them with the pointy end down in the carton. In this position, the air cell inside the egg remains stable, and the yolk stays centered, away from the shell, reducing the risk of contamination.
4. Checking Egg Freshness A simple way to check if an egg is still fresh is to submerge it in a bowl of cold water. If the egg sinks and lies flat on the bottom, it is fresh. If it stands upright and tilts slightly, it should be used soon. If the egg floats, it is old and should not be consumed.
5. Freezing Eggs for Long-Term Storage If you have too many eggs and do not think you will use them before they expire, you can freeze them. However, eggs should not be frozen in their shells, as the expanding volume can cause the shells to crack. It is recommended to crack the eggs and gently mix them without beating too hard before pouring them into airtight containers for freezing. You can also freeze just the whites or yolks separately, depending on your needs.
6. Avoiding High Temperatures Eggs should not be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. If you purchase eggs and need to travel with them, ensure they are transported in a thermal bag or placed in a cool location to prevent bacterial growth.
7. Do Not Wash Eggs Before Storage The eggshell has a natural protective coating that prevents bacteria from entering. Washing eggs before storing them in the refrigerator can remove this barrier, making them more susceptible to contamination. If the eggs are dirty, it is better to clean them just before use.

Properly storing fresh eggs is not only a matter of food safety but also of good food management. By following these tips, you can ensure that your eggs remain fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible. This not only protects you from potential illness but also helps reduce food waste.

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How to Check If Eggs Are Still Fresh Before Consuming Them

Checking the freshness of eggs before consuming them is essential to avoid food safety risks. Here are several simple and effective methods you can use to determine if eggs are still fresh:

1. Water Test (Float Test) This is one of the most popular and effective methods for checking egg freshness. Here’s how to perform this test:
   • Fill a bowl or a large glass with cold water.
   • Place the egg in the water and observe what happens:
     • If the egg sinks and lays flat on the bottom: The egg is very fresh.
     • If the egg sinks but stands upright (pointy end down): The egg is still good to eat but should be used soon as it is beginning to lose freshness.
     • If the egg floats: The egg is old and should not be consumed. Explanation: As the egg ages, the air cell inside it enlarges, causing the egg to become lighter and start floating.
2. Visual and Tactile Test You can also check the freshness of eggs by carefully examining their exterior and interior:
   • Check the shell: A fresh shell is clean and free from cracks or deformities. A damaged shell may indicate improper handling and potential contamination.
   • Crack the egg into a bowl: If the egg is fresh, the white will be thick and viscous, and the yolk will be firm and well-defined. An older egg will have a thinner, more liquid white, and the yolk will tend to flatten out.
3. Smell Test Smell is a strong indicator of egg freshness:
   • Crack the egg and smell it: A fresh egg will have no strong odor. If the egg smells of sulfur or has an unpleasant, pungent smell, it is spoiled and should not be consumed.
4. Check the Expiration Date Before using eggs, it is a good idea to check the expiration date or “sell-by date” printed on the packaging:
   • Eggs are generally good for a few weeks after the sell-by date as long as they are stored properly in the refrigerator. However, it’s wise to use additional freshness-checking methods, especially if the eggs have passed this date.
5. Shake Test This is a lesser-known test but can provide additional clues:
   • Gently shake the egg next to your ear: If you hear nothing, the egg is fresh. If you feel or hear a sloshing sound, it might indicate that the egg is no longer fresh.
6. Light Test (Candling) This is a more advanced method usually used by farmers or poultry keepers:
   • Use a strong light source (such as a flashlight) in a dark room and hold the egg up to the light: This test allows you to see the air cell inside the egg and evaluate its overall condition. A fresh egg will have a small air cell and uniform contents, while an older egg will have a large air cell and signs of dehydration.

Using one or more of these methods to check egg freshness can help you avoid consuming old or spoiled eggs, ensuring food safety and maintaining the quality of your dishes.

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How Long Can Eggs Last Before Spoiling?

The shelf life of eggs depends on several factors, including storage method, storage temperature, and whether the eggs are raw or cooked. Here’s a general overview of how long eggs can stay fresh and when they might start to spoil:

1. Raw Eggs Stored in the Refrigerator
   • Shelf Life: Raw eggs, stored in the refrigerator at around 4°C (39°F), can remain fresh for 3 to 5 weeks after the packaging date.
   • Expiration Date: Most store-bought eggs have a printed expiration date or sell-by date on the packaging. These are usually good for about 4-5 weeks after the packaging date.
   • Spoiling: After this period, eggs do not become automatically unsafe to eat, but their quality starts to decline. The yolk may become flatter, the white more liquid, and an unpleasant smell may develop.
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs Stored in the Refrigerator
   • Shelf Life: Hard-boiled eggs should be consumed within 1 week of boiling if stored in the refrigerator.
   • Spoiling: Hard-boiled eggs spoil faster than raw eggs because boiling removes the natural protective coating from the shell, making them more susceptible to contamination.
3. Eggs Stored at Room Temperature
   • Shelf Life: If eggs are stored at room temperature (about 20-22°C or 68-72°F), they can spoil much faster, typically within 1-2 weeks. This varies depending on local climate and egg quality.
   • Spoiling: At higher temperatures, bacteria like Salmonella can develop more rapidly, increasing the risk of contamination and spoilage.
4. Freezing Raw Eggs
   • Shelf Life: Raw eggs can be frozen to extend their shelf life. If properly frozen (without shells, mixed gently or separated into whites and yolks), they can be stored for up to 1 year.
   • Spoiling: Before use, frozen eggs should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator and used immediately after thawing.
5. Other Considerations
   • Old Eggs: Even if old eggs are not necessarily spoiled, their quality diminishes. The yolk becomes less firm, and the white more watery, which can affect the texture and taste of dishes.

To avoid consuming spoiled eggs, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator and use them within 3-5 weeks of purchase. If in doubt about the freshness of eggs, use the checking methods described earlier to ensure they are still safe to eat.

Source: Which UK

Author: Larisa Rațiu