How to Store Fresh Eggs

There are those who keep them in the fridge and those who keep them at room temperature: but where eggs are stored at homeWell, the answer requires further investigation, because while it's true that they're displayed on non-refrigerated shelves in supermarkets, once at home they should be placed inside the appliance. And we'll explain why.

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How to store fresh eggs

Fresh eggs are stored in the refrigeratorIdeally, store them in the center of the refrigerator, between 4 and 6°C, rather than 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 is no coincidence that it is advisable to keep them in their original carton, which protects them from bad odors and humidity and prevents contact with other foods. Furthermore, they do not need to be washed before storage, because this would remove their natural protective layer which slows down salmonella contamination.

But then, why at supermarket Are they found on ordinary non-refrigerated shelves? To explain, we need to take a step back.

The risk of salmonella in eggs

Le eggs They can be contaminated by the Salmonella bacterium, which can cause infections in humans but is eliminated by cooking. Salmonella infection is spread through the fecal-oral route, mainly by ingesting contaminated food or water or by contact with objects or small animals carrying the bacterium. Typical symptoms are: 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 the feces of an infected hen) or, more rarely, inside the egg. If we wash the shell, it's true that we eliminate most of the bacteria, but at the same time we increase the permeability of the eggAnd this can open the way for bacteria to enter from the outside. Washing the shell also means introducing 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 you shouldn't refrigerate eggs in supermarkets It's 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 passage 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 the eggs are not subjected to any treatments 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, because low temperatures slow down bacterial proliferation, reducing the risk of contamination.

What happens if I leave eggs out of the fridge?

If the eggs have been stored in the refrigerator and then left at room temperature, Thermal variation 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

The Hard-boiled eggs with their shells should be kept in the refrigeratorOnce 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 would affect their texture.

How to tell if eggs are fresh?

There's a trick to telling if eggs are fresh: just place them in a bowl of water. If they remain horizontal on the bottom they are very fresh, if they lift slightly they are still consumable, if they float they should be discarded. Also, after breaking it, thealbumen It should be firm, with the yolk rounded and centered. The odor should be neutral: any unpleasant odor indicates it should be discarded.

Why should eggs be refrigerated after purchase?