Eggs are a versatile and nutritious food commonly found in households. However, it’s important to know how long eggs can be safely stored in the fridge to maintain their freshness and minimise the risk of food-borne illness. In this expert article, we will explore the guidelines for egg storage in the refrigerator.
Understanding egg storage
To properly store eggs in the refrigerator, consider the following factors:
- Refrigeration: Eggs should always be stored in the refrigerator at a constant temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Refrigeration helps to slow bacterial growth and preserve egg quality.
- Eggshell: The shell acts as a protective barrier against bacteria. Handle eggs carefully to avoid cracking or damaging the shell, which can increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
- Packaging: Store eggs in their original carton or in a covered container to prevent them from absorbing odours and flavours from other foods in the refrigerator.
Guidelines for storing eggs
The following guidelines will help you determine the safe storage time for eggs in the refrigerator:
- Fresh eggs: Fresh eggs can generally be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 weeks from the date of purchase. Check the ‘use by’ or ‘sell by’ date on the pack for guidance.
- Chilled eggs: If you have already chilled eggs, they can usually be kept for another 2-3 weeks after the sell-by date. To check freshness, you can do a simple float test (see instructions below).
- Cooked eggs: Once cooked, boiled eggs can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. It’s best to keep them in their shells until ready to use to preserve freshness.
Performing the float test
To check the freshness of chilled eggs, you can perform a float test:
- Fill a deep bowl or glass with cold water.
- Carefully place an egg in the water.
- Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lie flat on their sides.
- If the egg stands upright on the bottom or floats to the surface, it is no longer fresh and should be discarded.
Safety precautions
To ensure food safety, follow these precautions when storing eggs:
- Avoid cross-contamination: Store eggs away from other foods, especially those with strong odours, to prevent unwanted flavour absorption.
- Do not wash eggs: Commercially produced eggs are washed and sanitised before packing. Washing eggs at home can remove the protective shell, making them more susceptible to bacterial contamination.
- Maintain refrigeration stability: Make sure your refrigerator maintains a consistent temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below to maintain egg quality and safety.
Freezing eggs for longer storage
You can freeze eggs for longer storage. Freezing eggs can be a convenient option if you have extra eggs or want to extend their shelf life beyond what is possible in the fridge. However, it’s important to note that freezing can change the texture of eggs, so they may not be suitable for certain recipes that require a specific texture, such as scrambled or fried eggs. Here are some guidelines on how to freeze eggs:
- Crack and beat: Start by cracking the eggs into a bowl or container and beating them until the yolks and whites are well combined. This step ensures that the eggs freeze evenly and prevents the yolks from becoming gelatinous.
- Freezer-safe containers: Transfer the beaten eggs to freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. When using containers, leave some space at the top as eggs expand when frozen.
- Labelling and dating: It’s important to label the containers with the number of eggs and the date of freezing. This information will help you keep track of their freshness and use them in the correct order.
- Duration of freezing: Eggs can be kept in the freezer for up to 12 months. However, for best quality, it’s best to use them within 3-6 months.
- Defrosting: When you’re ready to use frozen eggs, place them in the fridge and allow them to thaw overnight. Once thawed, use within 2-3 days. Avoid refreezing previously frozen eggs.
- Note on egg whites: If you wish to freeze egg whites separately, it’s best to place them in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the individual frozen protein cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag for long-term storage.
- A note about egg yolks: Egg yolks tend to become gelatinous when frozen due to their high fat content. To prevent this, you can add a small amount of salt or sugar to the whisked yolks before freezing. Alternatively, you can freeze egg yolks with a little water or lemon juice, which will help maintain their texture.
It’s important to remember that freezing can affect the texture of eggs, so they may not be suitable for certain recipes. Frozen eggs are best used in baked goods, such as cakes, muffins or quiches, where changes in texture are less noticeable.
Conclusion
Proper refrigeration of eggs is critical to maintaining freshness and reducing the risk of foodborne illness. By following the guidelines in this article, you can ensure that your eggs remain safe for consumption. Remember to chill eggs promptly, use the float test to check for freshness, and practice good food safety habits. In this way, you can enjoy eggs to the full while minimising potential risks.
FAQs
How long can I keep fresh eggs in the fridge?
Fresh eggs can generally be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 weeks from the date of purchase. Checking the ‘use by’ or ‘sell by’ date on the pack can be a good guide.
Can I store eggs beyond the ‘use by’ date?
If you have refrigerated eggs, they can usually be stored for 2-3 weeks beyond the ‘use by’ date. However, it’s important to do a freshness test to make sure they are still safe to eat.
How do I perform the egg freshness float test?
To perform the float test, fill a deep bowl or glass with cold water and gently place an egg in the water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lie flat on their sides. If the egg stands upright or floats, it is no longer fresh and should be discarded.
Can I freeze eggs to extend their shelf life?
Yes, you can freeze eggs to extend their shelf life. However, it’s important to note that freezing can change the texture of eggs, so they may not be suitable for all recipes.
How long can I keep cooked eggs in the fridge?
Cooked eggs, such as hard-boiled eggs, can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. It’s best to keep them in their shells until ready to use to maintain freshness.
Can I store eggs in a different container from the original carton?
Yes, you can put the eggs in a covered container if you prefer not to store them in the original carton. The container should provide protection from absorbing odours and flavours from other foods in the refrigerator.
What are some safety precautions when storing eggs in the fridge?
It’s important to store eggs away from other foods, especially those with strong odours, to avoid cross-contamination. Also, avoid washing eggs at home as this can remove the protective coating, making them more susceptible to bacterial contamination. Finally, maintaining a stable refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below is crucial to preserving egg quality and safety.
Can I freeze whole eggs?
Yes, you can freeze whole eggs. For best results, crack and beat the eggs before freezing.
Can I freeze eggs in the shell?
It is not recommended to freeze eggs in their shells. Freezing can crack the shell and possibly introduce bacteria.
Can I freeze raw egg whites and yolks separately?
Yes, you can freeze raw egg whites and yolks separately. Use ice cube trays to freeze individual portions for easy measuring.
Can I freeze cooked eggs?
While it is possible to freeze cooked eggs, their texture may change when they thaw. This may make them less suitable for certain dishes.
How long can I freeze eggs?
Eggs can be frozen for up to 12 months. However, for best quality it is recommended to use them within 3-6 months.
How do I thaw frozen eggs?
Thaw frozen eggs by placing them in the fridge and leaving them to thaw overnight. Once thawed, use within 2-3 days.
Can I refreeze eggs that have been previously frozen and thawed?
It is not recommended to refreeze eggs that have been previously frozen and thawed. This is because freezing and thawing can affect their quality and safety.