Do you know that the best way to store eggs is in their carton on a shelf in your kitchen?
Eggs can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks without any issues. There is no need to refrigerate them immediately after purchase as the eggshells provide protection from bacteria and mold growth.
This is the reason why stores keep eggs on shelves and not in the refridgerated section.
I have kept freshly laid eggs on the counter for 2-3 weeks before moving them to the refrigerator. The eggshells are effective at protecting the inside of the egg from environmental factors, so if you choose not to refrigerate your eggs right away, there’s no need to worry about their safety.
On the flip side, if you aren’t planning to eat your eggs for a while, then you will be better off refrigerating them. Refrigeration slows down the aging process and prevents your eggs from taking in flavors from other foods.
As a general rule of thumb, always store eggs at a stable temperature. Do not leave them on the counter if it is warm outside or near a heat source, such as an oven or space heater.
The main risk once you break open an egg and remove it from its protective shell is salmonella poisoning. In the last 5 years, the number of deaths from salmonella poisoning in the UK has consistently been over 8,000 a year.
What happens if you don’t refrigerate eggs?
Once a fresh egg is broken open, bacteria start to get into the egg from the outside.
The important thing to remember is that if you already have your eggs refrigerated, you should not leave them out for more than two hours. The British Egg Producers Association suggests that “A refrigerated cold egg left at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the growth of bacteria that could contaminate the egg”.
This is specific to eggs already refridgerated, as freshly laid eggs last longer due to their protective layer that helps prevent bacteria from entering the egg
It is always best to be safe and follow the guidelines for food safety when it comes to eggs. If you are ever unsure about how to store them, it is always better to be on the safe side and refrigerate them.
Why don’t supermarkets keep eggs in the fridge?
The answer to this question is very simple.
Eggs are not refrigerated in shops because they do not need to be. They keep fresh for a long time at room temperature and so there is no need for extra energy expenditure on the part of the store owner or consumer.
Even if you buy fresh eggs from a farmer’s market, chances are that they’re stored in less than perfect conditions.
Fresh eggs, if left unwashed can be placed on a kitchen counter or shelf. Unwashed, room temperature eggs should keep for just about two weeks. If you are looking to store your eggs long-term, it is best to rinse in cool water, then place them in the fridge. This will help them last a lot longer.
Eggs are a perishable product and should be handled with care. By following the guidelines for storing eggs, you can avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
- When buying eggs, you have to make sure they are clean and have no cracks in the shell, because this will most likely result in bacterial growth.
- If possible, purchase your eggs from a store that gets them fresh every week. This is the best way to ensure that your eggs are safe for consumption.
- If you are storing eggs in your fridge they should be stored on a shelf and not near or on top of the door where it might become warm.
- Storing eggs on a shelf inside will help to keep the temperature more constant, and your eggs fresher.
- Store eggs in their original carton and use them within 3 weeks for best quality.
- Eggs should not be frozen in their shells.
- Put leftover cooked egg dishes in a fridge and use within 3 days.
Importance of Storing eggs Properly
If you’ve ever cracked open an egg and found it to be rotten, you know how important it is to store your eggs properly. Rotten eggs are not only gross, but they can also make you sick.
One of the key benefits of storing your eggs in a fridge at a consistent temperature is that it slows bacterial growth, which also slows the decomposition of the egg.
If you’ve ever had a fresh egg and left it out at room temperature for an extended period of time, you may have noticed how quickly it rots.
When eggs are stored incorrectly they can cause discomforts such as food poisoning or salmonella. According to the CDC, “Salmonella bacteria can enter the egg through the small crack in the eggshell or through a nick in the side of it.”
The bacteria that are most commonly found on an egg’s surface is Salmonella Enteritidis. It is estimated that there are about 1.2 million cases of salmonella poisoning per year in the United States alone and in the United Kingdom about 60,000 cases of salmonella poisoning per year.
When you have a fresh egg and leave it at room temperature for too long, there is the potential that the Salmonella bacteria can grow rapidly on its surface. By storing your eggs in proper conditions, you are helping to reduce the risk of developing salmonella poisoning.
