How to Store Eggs
Wondering how to store eggs in a way that will make them last? In today’s world, there are different rules for everything, and it can be difficult to keep track. More than that, there are different rules and recommendations in different countries – so what we say here might not be your preferred method.
Knowing how to properly store your eggs means that they will last longer – so they can be used in all kinds of recipes, including our delicious homemade pasta! There are endless uses for eggs, whether it’s in savoury dishes, baking or anything else you feel like.
So, is you want to know how to store eggs, and the why behind it, we’ll cover what you need to know.
Storing Fresh Eggs
Unfortunately, there’s no one answer when it comes to this because of how different countries handle their eggs and chickens. In the UK, chickens get vaccinated to prevent any diseases from being transferred to the eggs, which means that the way we handle our eggs varies compared to the US – which does not tend to vaccinate their laying hens.
Here in the UK, we tend to keep our eggs out on the kitchen work surfaces in the original cardboard containers that they come in. This is because we do not wash our eggs and remove the cuticle, so they are perfectly safe and sanitary, and they will not go off quickly. In fact, washing or cleaning eggs either before or after grading is illegal because of the health implications.
In the US, eggs are washed and the cuticle – which protects the egg – is removed, which means that refrigeration is necessary. There, the government requires all eggs to be washed before hitting the shelves – how’s that for opposites?
While it might make sense to wash your eggs because of where they come from, no one eats the shells, and they are visibly clean. Ultimately, the UK (and most countries) take measures to prevent diseases from being passed on via vaccinations, making the process of washing eggs pointless and a safety hazard.
Do You Need to Refrigerate Them?
In the US, you will need to refrigerate eggs due to the cuticle being removed during the washing process, but this is not the standard in the rest of the world.
With that being said, you can absolutely store your UK eggs in the fridge if you want to. This will not do any harm, but it isn’t necessary unless you live in a hot climate. Like a lot of things, eggs are best protected when stored in a cool, dry place.
If you do choose to store your eggs in the fridge, they are best kept at the back, where the temperature gets maintained better. The door might seem like the best bet, but this area only increases the risk of eggs cracking and going off due to the fluctuating temperatures as you open and close the door frequently.
Can You Freeze Eggs?
You can absolutely freeze eggs if you have more than you can use, and they actually keep quite well. Here’s what you need to know:
- Whole eggs – beat together the egg white and yolk before transferring it to a bag that is suitable for freezing. Don’t freeze whole eggs in the shell, or the contents will expand and the shell with crack or explode!
- Egg whites – similar to freezing whole eggs (not in the shell), you can freeze your egg whites by combining them and beating them together before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag.
- Egg yolks – to prevent the yolks from turning thick and being unusable in most recipes, you should mix it with either sugar or salt to keep the consistency right.
For every 240ml of egg yolk, you should add 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar or ½ a teaspoon of salt, depending on what you intend to use the yolk for at the end of the day.
How Long do Eggs Last?
The answer to this will once again depend on a few things – from whether your eggs have been washed or not, or if you decide to store them on the counter or the fridge.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
- Unwashed eggs on the counter – 2–4 weeks
- Washed eggs on the counter – 2 hours if below 30°C, 1 hour is above
- Unwashed eggs in the fridge – 3 months
- Washed eggs in the fridge – 2 months
- Frozen whole eggs – technically indefinitely, best to use within 4 months
- Frozen egg whites – technically indefinitely, best to use within 4 months
- Frozen egg yolks – technically indefinitely, best to use within 4 months
Final Thoughts
Eggs are a staple, and if you have your own laying hens, then it’s imperative to know exactly how to store them for the best results. Unwashed eggs are perfectly fine to store in your kitchen counter, and you will have long eaten them before two weeks have passed, so you probably don’t need to worry about them going off.
Overall, storing your food properly is key. No one likes waste, and if we can make our food last as long as possible, why wouldn’t we?
If you want to read more, why not check out our recipes for homemade peanut butter, dandelion honey, or flavoured salts? We’re also kicking off some key hygiene blogs, with information on cleaning your oven and general kitchen hygiene – why not check some of those out now that you know how to store eggs properly?