How to Store Fresh Eggs

If you don't want to waste fresh eggs and don't consume them immediately on the day you buy them (the best solution), then you should place them in the refrigerator, at a temperature of around 4-5 degrees, on the inside shelf, and not in the door where the temperature can vary greatly, and leave them in their original packaging, protected from impacts and odors.

Other important things: don't wash eggs before putting them in the refrigerator—they can stay there for up to 3-4 weeks. Always check the expiration date. Keep them away from foods with strong odors (they're easily absorbed by the eggs). And store them with the point facing down, a position that ensures the yolk is always centered.

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How to store fresh eggs

Fresh eggs are best stored in the refrigerator , ideally between 4 and 6°C, in the center of the refrigerator, not in the door, where the temperature fluctuates more easily because we open it frequently throughout the day. Therefore, avoid placing them in the egg tray that refrigerators typically have, as this would cause unstable temperatures and increase the risk of contamination.

It's no coincidence that it's advisable to keep them in their original carton, which protects them from unpleasant odors and moisture and prevents contact with other foods. Furthermore, they shouldn't be washed before storage , as this would remove their natural protective layer that slows salmonella contamination.

But then, why are they found on the regular, non-refrigerated shelves in supermarkets ? To explain, we need to take a step back.

The risk of salmonella in eggs

Eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, which can cause infections in humans but is eliminated by cooking . Salmonella infection is spread through the fecal-oral route, primarily by ingesting contaminated food or water or by contact with objects or small animals carrying the bacteria. Typical symptoms include fever , diarrhea , abdominal cramps, and nausea. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Contamination, in most cases, occurs on the shell (which, for example, comes into contact with feces from an infected chicken) or, more rarely, inside the egg. Washing the shell eliminates most of the bacteria, but it also increases the egg's permeability . This can open the way for bacteria to penetrate from the outside. Washing the shell also introduces moisture, which can pass through, carrying bacteria with it.

Why are the eggs in the supermarket out of the fridge?

If you're careful, we pick the eggs directly from the shelves, not from the store's refrigerated section. They're kept at room temperature. This also prevents them from being exposed to temperature fluctuations during transport from the farmer to the supermarket, which would encourage condensation on their shells.

Why supermarket eggs shouldn't be refrigerated is easy to explain. In some countries, including the United States, eggs are washed and disinfected before sale to reduce the risk of salmonella. However, doing so makes them more vulnerable to the transfer of bacteria from the outside to the inside. The shell, in fact, retains a natural protective layer, called the cuticle, which shields the egg from bacteria.

This layer, as mentioned above, would be removed if the eggs were washed or disinfected. For this reason, in these countries, eggs are sold in the refrigerated section, to slow and prevent the spread of the bacteria. In Europe, things are different, because eggs are not treated before being sold.

Why should eggs be refrigerated after purchase?

In Europe, as we mentioned, eggs are not treated before being sold because it is preferable not to compromise their permeability. For this reason, and also to avoid exposing the eggs to a disruption in the cold cycle that would lead to condensation, eggs in Italy are sold at room temperature. However, once they are home, it is advisable to refrigerate them, as the low temperature slows bacterial growth , reducing the risk of contamination.

What happens if I leave eggs out of the fridge?

If eggs have been stored in the refrigerator and then left at room temperature, the temperature change can cause condensation to form on the shell. This moisture can facilitate the entry of bacteria through the pores of the shell.

However, if the eggs have never been refrigerated, they can be kept at room temperature for a few days, as long as they're stored in a cool, dry place. However, in summer or in high temperatures, the risk of spoilage increases, so it's best to store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.

In light of the above, it is recommended to put them in the refrigerator regardless, after bringing them home from the supermarket.

How to store hard-boiled eggs in their shells

Even hard-boiled eggs in their shells should be stored in the refrigerator . Once completely cool, but usually no more than two hours after cooking, dry them well and transfer them to an airtight container in the refrigerator, preferably in the middle. Consume them within 5 days. Hard-boiled eggs should not be frozen, as this will affect their consistency.

How to tell if eggs are fresh

There's a trick to determining if eggs are fresh. Simply place them in a bowl of water. If they lie flat on the bottom, they're very fresh ; if they rise slightly, they're still edible; if they float, they should be discarded. Furthermore, after cracking, the egg white should be firm and the yolk should be rounded and centered. The odor should be neutral: any unpleasant odor indicates that the egg should be thrown away.

How to preserve eggs