Keep eggs fresh: Top tips for storage and extending shelf life
A day without eggs? Impossible. That's why we often buy them in bulk. There's nothing wrong with that as long as they are stored properly. Otherwise, they spoil much faster, which can harm your health.
We reach for eggs practically daily because they are needed to prepare many dishes and baked goods. However, mistakes can still happen with their storage, leading to them spoiling faster. Eggs need a cool and dry place. They should be placed in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter. But that's not all.
How to store eggs in the refrigerator?
It's best to store eggs in their original cartons or special containers in the refrigerator, which protects them from contact with other products. It's important to avoid washing the eggs before storing them in the refrigerator, as washing removes their natural protection.
The best place for eggs in the refrigerator is the middle shelf, where the temperature is most stable at about 39 degrees Fahrenheit. This placement avoids temperature fluctuations, which can accelerate the aging process of eggs.
How to check if the eggs are fresh?
Checking the freshness of eggs is also not a big problem. You can do it by placing the egg in a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom, it is fresh, but an egg floating on the water's surface is no longer suitable for consumption.
Another way to assess the shell's appearance is to look for a matte or rough shell—this suggests freshness. It's also worth gently shaking the egg—no sound means it's fresh, while a sloshing sound suggests spoilage. Before using the egg in the kitchen, it is recommended to check its smell after cracking. If it smells off, discard it.
Can eggs be frozen?
Freezing is an excellent solution when you have too many eggs and want to extend their freshness. The procedure is simple: gently break the eggs and place them in an airtight container. Frozen eggs can be stored for up to a year, which is especially useful when you have an excess of this product in the kitchen.
