Food & Receipts

The Ultimate Guide to Egg Storage: 3 Simple Rules to Keep Your Eggs Fresh and Safe All Year Round

"There are a few simple yet crucial things to keep in mind when it comes to storing your freshly bought chicken eggs to ensure longevity and freshness. By avoiding these three common mistakes, you can keep your eggs edible and safe for consumption for a more extended period."

Administrator

5 September, 2024

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Many people believe that eggs can be purchased and stored in bulk without spoilage. While eggs can indeed be stored for extended periods, proper storage methods are essential.

It is true that eggs can be stored for extended periods, but proper handling is crucial. Contrary to popular belief, washing eggs before refrigeration is incorrect and can lead to bacterial growth, posing health risks.

Tips for Long-Lasting Fresh Eggs

Nutrition experts share three crucial don’ts for keeping eggs fresh:

1. Don’t Wash Eggs

Eggs are coated with a thin, whitish film—a natural barrier that prevents bacteria from entering. Washing eggs removes this protective layer, exposing them to bacterial invasion through tiny pores in the shell.

Instead of washing, use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe away any visible dirt or debris.

2. Don’t Store Eggs Horizontally

Eggs should be stored vertically, with the larger end facing upwards. Placing them horizontally can cause the yolk to settle on the surface, leading to clumping with the egg white proteins.

3. Avoid Frequent Refrigerator Access

Once eggs are refrigerated, minimize handling and temperature fluctuations. Do not return eggs to the refrigerator after use, as condensation can form, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and accelerating spoilage.

Summer Egg Storage Solutions

1. Oil Coating

– Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface of each egg. This creates a barrier that prevents the escape of carbon dioxide and water vapor while inhibiting bacterial growth.

– Allow the oil to dry before returning the eggs to the refrigerator.

2. Rice Storage

A traditional method for egg preservation involves rice:

– Place eggs in a container of rice with the larger end facing up.

– Cover the eggs completely with rice, ensuring they are well-buried. This method can extend the shelf life of eggs, just as our ancestors did before refrigeration.

Avoid storing eggs with strongly-scented foods like garlic, ginger, or onions. These odors can permeate the eggs through the shell, affecting their flavor.

Tips for Choosing Fresh Eggs

In addition to proper storage, here are some tips for selecting fresh, high-quality eggs:

1. Light Test

Hold the egg up to a bright light. Fresher eggs will appear more translucent, while older eggs will look cloudy.

2. Shake Test

Gently shake the egg. If you don’t hear any sloshing, it’s fresh. A liquid sound indicates an older egg with a looser yolk.

3. Shell Inspection

Fresh eggs have a slightly rough, chalky shell with a thin, invisible coating. Smoother, shinier shells suggest older eggs that have been stored for a while.

Frequently asked questions

The shelf life of an egg depends on various factors, including storage conditions and the type of egg. Fresh, unwashed eggs with intact cuticles can last 3–5 weeks at room temperature or 4–6 weeks in the fridge.

The best way to store eggs and prolong their freshness is to keep them in their original carton and place them in the fridge. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is key to preserving egg quality.

It depends. In many countries, eggs are not washed, so they don’t need refrigeration. However, in places where eggs are washed, refrigeration is necessary to prevent bacterial growth. If your eggs are washed, always store them in the fridge.

A bad egg will usually have a distinctive sulfurous smell and a cloudy, discolored, or slimy appearance. If the egg passes the smell test, crack it into a bowl and inspect it. If it looks abnormal or feels slimy, discard it.

Always buy eggs from a reputable source and ensure they are fresh and undamaged. Store them promptly in the fridge, preferably in their original carton, and use them by the ‘best before’ date. Practice good hygiene when handling eggs, and cook them thoroughly to minimize the risk of food poisoning.