Inexpensive, adaptable, and containing six grams of protein along with 13 vital nutrients,
Eggs offer a healthy means to begin your morning.
—and it’s not a bad way to conclude things either! There are plenty of
ways to cook eggs
, they serve as a simple solution to
boost your protein intake
.
Given the steep cost and limited availability of eggs recently, you might be pondering:
How long do they really endure?
If you’re living solo or managing a small household, a carton of eggs could end up taking more time to use than anticipated. In contrast to numerous prepackaged goods, fresh eggs typically have a narrower timeframe for optimal freshness. Below are some guidelines from food safety professionals regarding the duration eggs remain at their prime and the most effective methods for storing them.
For how long can eggs be kept fresh?
Despite the fact that eggs have a printed label
“sell by” or “best before” date
They might still be safe to consume after that date if they’ve been stored properly.
If you keep your eggs at the suggested temperature of
40°F or below
, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
advises using them
within three weeks
Of purchase. As stated by the source,
Egg Safety Center
Eggs might remain safe for consumption up to five weeks after their packaging date when kept appropriately refrigerated. However, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can accumulate with age—therefore, if there’s doubt about an egg’s freshness, it’s wise to throw out the old ones to prevent potential food poisoning.
Frozen eggs have a shelf life of about one year.
However, they should never be frozen within their shells. If you intend to freeze eggs, mix the yolks and whites together beforehand, or alternatively, freeze only the egg whites separately and keep them in an airtight container.
For leftover meals containing eggs
The FDA suggests keeping them in the refrigerator and using them within three to four days. Hard-boiled eggs have a shelf life of about one week when stored in the fridge.
What signs indicate whether your eggs have spoiled?
Rely on your intuition—if something seems odd about an egg in terms of appearance or smell, it’s wise to discard it. Keep these important indicators in mind:
-
Smell test:
If an egg smells rotten or sulfurous, whether inside the shell or once you crack it open, avoid eating it. -
Shell inspection
A shell that appears slimy or has cracks might suggest bacterial contamination, whereas a dusty look could be an indication of mold presence. -
Check the inside
When you break open an egg, check for any pink, blue, green, or black spots because these hues might signal bacterial proliferation.
Remember that eggs infected with Salmonella might appear and scent typical, so always verify the “sell by” or expiry date on the container to make sure they’re still good.
What’s the most effective method for storing eggs?
Correct storage is essential for maintaining the freshness and safety of eggs. Keep them towards the rear part of the middle shelf inside your refrigerator instead of on the door. The items placed on the door experience varying temperatures, whereas the center area of the fridge remains more consistently cool, aiding in prolonging egg freshness.
Moreover, refrain from putting broken eggs back into the carton momentarily because it might lead to bacterial contamination. Rather, dispose of eggshells right away to minimize the chance of infection.
