Eggs are a staple in most kitchens and there are several ways to store them but the best storage method prevents them from going off before the best-before date
Eggs frequently boast a lengthy shelf life but improper storage can result in harmful bacteria developing, potentially making you unwell or causing them to go off before their use-by date.
Nobody fancies the revolting stench of rotten eggs wafting through their kitchen, yet there’s ongoing debate about the optimal way to store eggs to maintain freshness – with most Brits leaving them on worktops while most Americans pop them in the fridge.
Rebecca McLeod, a pastry chef and creator of Bec’s Table, has revealed that the secret to maintaining eggs fresh and free from bacteria lies in storing them at a consistent constant temperature, though it’s preferable to keep them chilled. It comes as woman, 45, is the second to die after eating ‘toxic broccoli’ in Italy as veg recalled.
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She explained: “If they were in the fridge at the store, keep them refrigerated at home. If they were on a shelf at the store, leave them out at home (unless your kitchen is particularly warm) and use them more quickly.
“In a nutshell, it’s best to store supermarket eggs in the fridge once you get home, just to be safe”, reports the Express.
What’s the optimal location to store eggs in the kitchen?
Eggs require consistent temperature storage as they can house bacteria, particularly salmonella, and any temperature changes will trigger condensation to develop on the shell.
Any dampness on the shell enables bacteria to more easily breach the shell and reproduce inside the egg, leading to contamination. While eggs can be stored either on the kitchen counter or in the fridge, it’s often best to keep them refrigerated to maintain a cool temperature, particularly during the summer months.
Rebecca added: “I keep eggs on the counter during winter at the cooking school where I teach. When purchasing between 120 and 150 eggs at a time, cramming them into the fridge is unnecessary, as they’d take up valuable space.
“However, I store my eggs in the fridge during summer to maintain their freshness.”
How to properly store eggs in the fridge
Ensure you place your eggs on a middle shelf in your fridge, not inside the fridge door. The fluctuating temperatures caused by the door opening and closing can lead to condensation.
It’s also crucial to keep eggs in the carton they come in from the supermarket, as it’s designed to shield the eggs from bacteria. Avoid storing eggs in an egg caddy. Despite their popularity, a caddy won’t provide the necessary protection for the egg.
Rebecca explained: “Egg cartons are also designed to minimise water loss from the eggs and prevent cross-contamination of unwanted flavours from other foods lurking in your fridge. No wonder the industry has long stuck with this classic carton design!”.
How to check if an egg is fresh
If stored correctly at a cool temperature in the fridge, eggs will stay fresh for up to six weeks longer. However, if you’re concerned that an egg may have spoiled, try the glass test.
All you need to do is pop the egg into a glass that’s half-filled with water. If the egg floats, bin it as it’s gone off, but if it drops to the bottom then it’s still safe to consume.
Rebecca explained: “When handling eggs, always exercise caution. If I pick up an egg with a visible crack and signs of leakage, I toss it. If it has a fine hairline crack, I’ll either perform the glass test or discard it. I don’t take any unnecessary risks in my kitchen. Remember the saying: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
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