How to Store Eggs

Whether you’re baking a cake, making an omelet, or whipping up a batch of scrambled eggs, eggs are an essential ingredient in many recipes.

However, to get the best results from your eggs, it’s important to know how to store eggs properly. Let’s go over ways to ensure your eggs start fresh.

Best ways to store eggs

In this guide, we’ll cover the proper storage guidelines and techniques for eggs, from refrigerator storage tips to long-term preservation methods.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to keep your eggs fresh and safe for as long as possible, so you can enjoy them in countless delicious dishes.

Proper Egg Storage

Eggs require specific storage conditions to remain fresh and safe to consume. Follow these guidelines for proper egg storage:

• Temperature: Keep eggs refrigerated at a temperature between 33-40°F (0.6-4.4°C).
• Orientation: Store eggs with the pointed end facing down to keep the yolk centered and the air cell intact.
• Packaging: Keep eggs in their original packaging or transfer them to a clean and covered container.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your eggs stay fresh for longer and reduce the risk of spoilage and contamination.

Check out some of my other related posts on how to store avocados or how to store celery.

Refrigerator

Refrigerator storage is the most common method for egg storage. Follow these tips for optimal refrigerator egg storage:

• Temperature control: Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure the temperature stays between 33-40°F (0.6-4.4°C).
• Location: Store eggs in the main part of the refrigerator, not the door, where temperatures fluctuate more.
• Expiration date: Use eggs before their expiration date to ensure they’re fresh and safe to consume.

By following these tips, your eggs will remain fresh and safe for consumption for up to four to five weeks.

Hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs require different storage than raw eggs. Follow these steps for the best hard-boiled egg storage:

• After cooking, cool the eggs in an ice bath for 15 minutes to prevent them from overcooking and to make peeling easier.
• Peel the eggs and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator.
• Use hard-boiled eggs within one week for optimal freshness.

By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked and stored hard-boiled eggs for your meals and snacks. If you want some tips on how to cook hard-boiled eggs check out my post.

Freshly laid eggs

When it comes to storing freshly laid eggs, it’s important to follow a few guidelines to ensure they stay fresh and safe to consume. Here are some tips for proper egg storage:

• Wipe off the eggs: If the eggs are dirty, gently clean them with a dry cloth or sandpaper. Do not wash them with water, as this can remove the protective coating on the eggshell that helps keep them fresh.
• Refrigerate the eggs: Store the eggs in the refrigerator as soon as possible after they’re laid. Keep them in their original carton or transfer them to a clean, covered container.
• Use the eggs within three weeks: Freshly laid eggs can stay fresh for up to three weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to store your freshly laid eggs properly and ensure they stay fresh and safe to consume for as long as possible.

Long-term egg storage

If you have a surplus of eggs, preserving them long-term can prevent waste and save you money. Here are some preservation methods:

• Freezing: Beat the eggs and freeze them in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to six months.
• Pickling: Boil eggs, remove the shells, and pickle them in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and sugar for up to three months.
• Water Glassing: Coat eggs in a solution of water glass and water, then store them in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

By preserving your eggs, you’ll have a supply on hand for when you need them, even if they’re out of season.

Storage Method	Temperature	Shelf Life
Refrigerator	40°F (4°C) or below	Up to 5 weeks
Freezer (Whole Eggs)	-13°F (-25°C) or below	Up to 1 year
Freezer (Egg Yolks)	-13°F (-25°C) or below	Up to 1 year
Freezer (Egg Whites)	-13°F (-25°C) or below	Up to 1 year

Checking Egg Freshness

Another important aspect of egg storage is checking their freshness. Follow these methods to determine if your eggs are fresh:

• Float test: Place an egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks to the bottom and lays flat, it’s fresh. If it stands upright on the bottom or floats to the top, it’s no longer fresh.
• Smell test: Crack open the egg and sniff it. If it has a strong, unpleasant odor, it’s gone bad.
• Visual inspection: Look at the eggshell for any cracks, discoloration, or other signs of damage.

It’s important to note that even if an egg passes all these tests, it’s still possible for it to be contaminated with bacteria like salmonella. Therefore, always cook eggs thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.

You can also check out my post on how to tell if an egg is bad to learn more.

Avoiding Egg Storage Mistakes

To ensure your eggs stay fresh and safe, it’s essential to avoid some common egg storage mistakes.

Washing eggs removes their natural protective coating, making them more susceptible to bacteria and spoilage.

Storing eggs in the refrigerator door can cause them to spoil more quickly due to fluctuating temperatures.

Using cracked eggs can allow bacteria to enter the egg, increasing the risk of spoilage and contamination.

Leaving eggs out at room temperature can cause them to spoil and become unsafe to eat. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to keep your eggs fresh and safe for as long as possible.

Conclusion

Eggs are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in countless dishes. However, to get the best results from your eggs, it’s important to store them properly.

By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to keep your eggs fresh and safe for as long as possible.

From proper temperature and orientation to long-term preservation methods, there are plenty of strategies you can use to ensure your eggs stay fresh and delicious.

So next time you’re stocking up on eggs, keep these tips in mind and enjoy all the delicious meals you can make with them!