Storing Eggs: The Best Practices According to Eggland’s Best
If you've ever found yourself standing in front of your refrigerator, debating whether to use the built-in egg tray or keep your eggs in their original carton, you're not alone. The question of how to store eggs properly is one that many home cooks grapple with. Fortunately, experts from Eggland’s Best have provided clear guidance on the best method for storing eggs—one that not only preserves their freshness but also extends their shelf life and ensures food safety.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the insights shared by Bart Slaugh, PhD, director of quality assurance at Eggland’s Best, and delve into the reasons why the original carton is the best choice for egg storage.
Why the Original Carton Is Best
According to Slaugh, the safest and most effective way to store eggs is in their original carton, placed in the main body of the refrigerator. Here’s why this method is superior to using the built-in egg tray or leaving eggs on the refrigerator door:
1. **Temperature Stability**: Built-in trays expose eggs to more temperature fluctuations due to the frequent opening and closing of the fridge door. This inconsistency can compromise the freshness of the eggs over time.
2. **Risk of Breakage**: Movement and jostling in these trays increase the risk of breakage. The original carton provides a cushioned environment that protects the eggs from bumps and falls.
3. **Odor Protection**: The carton also offers better insulation from strong food odors and environmental exposure, which can affect the taste of the eggs.
4. **Tracking Freshness**: The original carton is designed to keep track of the “best by” date easily, ensuring you know when to use your eggs.
Best Location in the Fridge
When it comes to egg storage, location matters. Slaugh emphasizes that the ideal spot for your egg carton is on a middle or lower shelf toward the back of the refrigerator. This area maintains the coldest and most stable temperatures, which is crucial for keeping eggs fresh.
Avoid storing eggs in the fridge door at all costs. The temperature there fluctuates dramatically because it is opened and closed often, which compromises the eggs' freshness and safety over time.
How Long Do Eggs Stay Fresh?
If you store your eggs correctly—in their original carton and at the back of the fridge—they can last between 4 to 6 weeks after bringing them home, even if that’s slightly past their stamped “best by” date. This means that eggs can remain safe and usable far longer than many people assume, provided they're kept cold and undisturbed.
How to Check If Eggs Are Still Fresh
To ensure your eggs are still good to eat, Slaugh provides a couple of simple tools to help determine their freshness:
1. **Visual and Smell Test**:
- Always inspect eggs for any unusual signs like off smells, discoloration, or cracked shells.
- If anything looks or smells odd, toss the egg out.
2. **The Egg Float Test**:
- Fill a bowl with room-temperature water.
- Gently place an egg into the bowl.
- If it sinks to the bottom and lies flat—it’s fresh.
- If it stands upright at the bottom—it’s still good but getting older.
- If it floats to the top—it’s no longer safe to eat and should be discarded.
This float test works because over time, an egg’s porous shell allows air in, making older eggs lighter and more buoyant.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the best practices for egg storage:
- **DO** store eggs in their original carton on a middle or lower shelf at the back of your refrigerator.
- **DON’T** store eggs in the fridge door or use the built-in egg tray.
- Properly stored eggs last 4–6 weeks from purchase, sometimes beyond the printed “best by” date.
- Always check for spoilage signs or use the float test if unsure.
By following these guidelines, your eggs will remain fresh, safe, and delicious for much longer—helping to reduce waste and improve your kitchen's overall food safety practices.
So the next time you bring home a dozen eggs, remember to keep them in their original carton and place them in the right spot in your fridge. Your future self (and your recipes) will thank you!
