How Long Do Eggs Last in the Fridge?
Eggs, indeed, are a regular part of almost any American kitchen. So, how long can they live in the fridge before they go bad? The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) claims that eggs are still edible when kept in a fridge for about three to five weeks. However, they may still be good for one to two weeks beyond their best-by date if they remain refrigerated.
The appropriate methods of egg storage are capable of largely lengthening the life of eggs, thus reducing food waste and cost. The keeping of eggs in the refrigerator is necessary. Most essential is this with the increasing prices of groceries.
Why Do We Refrigerate Eggs?
You may know that in some countries, eggs are placed at room temperature, while here in the US, they are always put in the fridge. The heart of the argument is the laws of food safety.
In the US and Canada, eggs are washed before being sold. It is important to note that in the US, this procedure is followed. The application of a new technique to get rid of the egg bacteria called salmonella results in the removal of some substance that covers and protects the eggs. This action made the porous shell of the egg even more susceptible to the contamination, like the consequence of using ammonia.ย necessary in such cases to prevent the eggs from going rotten.
Conversely, in Europe and many other countries, eggs are not washed. They remain in their original cover so they can be preserved at room temperature for free. But if the eggs are refrigerated,ย they should always remain refrigerated so that there is no condensation, which could lead to the growth of bacteria.
How to Store Eggs for Maximum Freshness
For the most prolonged period, to probably preserve the quality and freshness of your eggs, you should have to follow the storage tips like this:
- Keep eggs in their original carton โ The cartons can be used to shield the eggs from the strong scent as well as from losing moisture.
- Store eggs in the coldest part of the fridge โ The back is where the fridge is the coldest; meanwhile, the door usually undergoes frequent temperature changes.
- Place eggs with the pointed end down โ This way, a protective systemic film will envelop the yolk, and thus, air will stay at the bottom, which will result in a lesser amount of moisture leaving the eggs.
FAQโs
“For what length of time do various kinds of eggs keep in the refrigerator”?
Shelf life is not uniform among eggs.ย The following is a guide on refrigerator storage times for several varieties of eggs:
ย Store-bought eggs keep for what length of time in the refrigerator”?
Usually cleaned before being sold, store-bought eggs keep fresh in the refrigerator for three to five weeks.ย As long as they have been correctly kept, they can, however, often be safe to eat for up to one or two weeks beyond their best-by date.
ย Can fresh farm eggs be kept for what length of time in the refrigerator?
Unwashed farm eggs keep their natural protective layer, unlike store-bought eggs.ย This keeps them freshest in the refrigerator for up to three months or more.ย ‘If the eggs have been washed, though, they should be used within the same three to five week window as store-bought eggs’.
ย Hard-boiled eggs keep in ‘the refrigerator for what length of time’?
An egg loses much of its shelf life once it has been hard-boiled.ย One week of refrigeration should see hard-boiled eggs eaten.ย Store them in a covered container to help them not absorb smells from other foods and get the best results.
ย Egg whites keep in the refrigerator for how long?
Stored correctly, separated egg whites keep fresh for roughly four days and last somewhat longer than yolks.ย They keep best in a refrigerated, sealed container.
ย How long do pickled eggs kept in the refrigerator last?
Pickling eggs much increases their shelf life.ย In the refrigerator, well-pickled eggs keep for three to four months.ย Still, always look for evidence of spoiling before eating.
ย ‘Cracked eggs keep best in the refrigerator for how long?’
Should you unintentionally ‘break an egg’, it should be used one to two days.ย Cooking cracked eggs fast is advisable since they are more prone to bacterial contamination.
ย Fried eggs keep ‘for what length of time’ in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, fried eggs should be consumed within three to four days.ย For the best texture, gently reheat them.
ย Soft-boiled eggs keep in the refrigerator for what length of time?
A shorter shelf life than hard-boiled eggs makes soft-boiled eggs less desirable.ย For best freshness and safety, they ought to be consumed in two days.
ย Are duck eggs kept in the refrigerator?
Store duck eggs in the refrigerator, and they will keep for three to five weeks, the same as chicken eggs.ย Their thicker shells help them sometimes remain fresh even longer.
ย Organic eggs keep for what length of time in the refrigerator?
Organic eggs are handled similarly to store-bought eggs.ย If they are washed, they will keep in the refrigerator for roughly three to five weeks. Understanding the several storage times for different kinds of eggs will help you to guarantee food safety and cut food waste in your kitchen.
How to Test Egg Freshness at Home
If, for some reason, you’re not sure if your eggs are still good, then you can always give the float test:
1. Get a large glass or bowl and cold water.
2. Place the egg into the water gently.
3. Look at the effect:
- It sinks to the bottom and lies flat: It’s fresh and safe to use.
- It sinks but stays at the bottom with the pointed side up: It’s old, but it’s still edible, so use it as soon as possible.
- It floats on the surface of the water: It’s spoiled. Throw it away right away.
This method is applicable because the air pocket created inside the shell during the egg development process causes eggs to become lighter, making them buoyant with time. Besides the above-mentioned method, you can also check for unusual colors and a strong sulfur-like smell when you break an egg to see if the egg is still good to eat.
How Long Do Cooked Eggs Last in the Fridge?
Raw eggs have more time live than cooked eggs. Here are the number of days that cooked eggs need refrigeration to stay fresh:
- Hard-boiled eggs โ They can store for up to one week
- Scrambled eggs โ 3-4 days
- Fried eggs โ 3-4 days
- Egg bites โ 3-4 days
- Egg-based dishes (quiche, frittata) โ 3-4 daysย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Store cooked eggs correctly in an airtight container kept at or below 40ยฐF (4ยฐC).
Are Eggs Freezeable?
Though not in their shell, eggs are freezeable. Here’s how you do it:
ย How to freeze eggs?
- ย Whole eggs are: First, crack them; then, whisk; make sure they freeze before packing them tightly.
Remove one ice cube from the tray to use for whites. Let it thaw gradually, then put it in a freezer bag.
Yolks in eggs: To stop thickening, mix egg yolks with a little sugar or salt; then, freeze.
The eggs are good for six months to one year in the cold; before you use them, store them in the refrigerator.
ย Does Eggs Accurate have a Best-By Date?
On egg cartons, the sell-by or best-by date serves more as a guide than a rigid expiration date. If properly kept, eggs may be safe to eat for one to two weeks past the date stated on the carton, according to a USDA study.
Over time, egg quality could drop; thus:
- ย Whites start to get thinner.
- Yolks become softer.
- In dishes calling for structure, such as soufflรฉs or meringues, eggs might not work as well.
Use the float approach and/or check the eggs for any anomalies before you eat them if you are not sure how fresh they are.
Final Thoughts
Eggs can go for weeks to months in the icebox, provided you store them according to the instructions. Storing and using fresh, frozen, or cooked eggs safely will make sure that you are getting every single one of them to be at their best.
Eggs will be at their freshest if you keep them in their original carton, store them in the coldest part of the fridge, and perform a quick freshness test; there is nothing else to worry about.
