How To Properly Store Eggs In The Refrigerator
Eggs are a staple ingredient in most households. They can be prepared as a protein-rich breakfast, used in fried rice or stir-fry, and are an essential part of many baked goods. But did you know that the way you store your eggs can affect how quickly they spoil?
Here are some simple storage tips to ensure a long shelf life for your eggs.
Leave them in the store-bought carton
It may be tempting to transfer your eggs to a more aesthetically-pleasing ceramic carton, or even the plastic egg holder that came with your fridge, but it's actually better to keep them in their store-bought carton.
Styrofoam or cardboard egg cartons will do a more effective job of cushioning your eggs to prevent breakage. It's also important to keep the carton closed when storing eggs to eliminate exposure to strange food scents in your fridge.
Don't store them in the fridge door
Many people store their eggs in the refrigerator door for easy access, but this can be detrimental. The safest place to store your eggs is actually in the middle shelf of the fridge, ideally towards the back.
This is the part of your fridge that is the coldest and most consistent in temperature, which is essential to preventing spoilage.
Keep them facing upside-down
It may seem counterintuitive, but you should actually be storing your eggs upside down in their carton (with the smaller side facing down).
This is because there is an air bubble in the rounder side of each egg, which helps to keep the yolk centered, and leads to longer-lasting freshness.
Don't put used eggshells back in the carton
Eggshells are very porous, which means that bacteria on used eggshells can contaminate the rest of your eggs. Never return used shells to the carton.
Once you've cooked an egg, discard it's shell in the trash or compost to prevent the risk of contaminating the rest of the carton.
The bottom line
Proper storage is essential to maintaining the shelf life of your eggs. Be sure to store eggs in a closed carton, facing upside down.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure longer-lasting eggs for all of your cooking and baking needs.