Eggs are a staple in many families, but knowing how long they are safe to consume can be confusing.
In this blog post, we will explore how long eggs can be kept in the fridge and still remain safe to eat.
Introduction
Eggs are a nutritious, high-protein food that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
However, knowing how long eggs are safe to eat is essential to avoid foodborne illness.
This article will provide an overview of how long eggs are safe to eat when they are stored in the fridge.
We will discuss the length of time eggs can remain safe at different temperatures, and include some tips for making sure your eggs stay fresh and safe to eat.
How Long Are Eggs Safe to Eat in the Fridge?
The USDA recommends storing eggs in their original cartons inside the refrigerator.
This helps protect the eggs from any potential contamination. It’s recommended to store the eggs at a temperature between 68-77 °F (23-23 °C).
Eggs kept at this temperature should last for four to five weeks before they need to be replaced.
Best-By Dates
Most cartons of eggs will have a “best-by” date printed on them.
This date is an estimate of when the eggs may start to spoil or go bad, not a hard date.
Generally, fresh eggs can still be eaten for about three weeks after this date passes as long as they are stored in the fridge.
Testing Freshness
There are several ways you can test if an egg is still safe to eat or not.
One popular test involves filling a bowl with cold water and placing the egg inside.
If it sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, then it’s still good enough to eat; however, if it stays upright on one end or floats in the water, then it has gone bad and should be discarded immediately.
How to Test if Eggs Are Still Good?
It’s always a good idea to test if eggs are still safe to eat, no matter how old they are.
This way, you can avoid eating bad eggs and the potential health risks that come with it.
Here are some tips on how you can test whether eggs are still good or not:
1. Check the expiration date – Every egg carton has an expiration date, so make sure to check the label before deciding whether or not to use the eggs.
If the expiration date has already passed, then it’s best to discard them.
2. Float test – Fill a bowl with cold water and put an egg in it.
If the egg stays at the bottom of the bowl, then it’s safe for consumption; however, if it floats up or moves around in the water, then this means that air has gotten inside of it and that means that it is no longer safe for use.
3. Smell test – Put your nose close to each egg and take a whiff; if there is an unpleasant smell coming from inside of them, then this usually means that they have gone bad and must be discarded immediately.
4. Crack into a bowl – This is probably one of the most reliable ways of telling whether eggs are still good or not; if each one is cracked open and taken a look at, then this means that they have gone bad and must be tossed away without consuming them!
How to Prolong the Shelf Life of Eggs?
Storing eggs properly is key to extending their shelf life.
Here are some recommendations for keeping eggs safe and fresh for as long as possible.
* Store eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Make sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods as they can absorb odors quickly.
* Always store your eggs in their original carton and use them within a few days after purchase.
* Don’t wait until you are ready to use them.
Washing removes the natural coating over the eggshell which helps protect it against bacteria and other contaminants.
* Place the eggs in an egg holder or tray, which is designed with small compartments that can help keep them separate and prevent breakage.
* To further increase their shelf life, you can crack open the packet and separate the yolks from the whites before freezing.
This will help prevent them from being damaged by ice crystals forming on the yolks over time when they are still fresh.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eggs are a versatile and nutritious food that can last for several weeks in the fridge.
To extend the shelf life of eggs, it is important to keep them refrigerated at a temperature below 40 °F and discard any that have been kept unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.
Additionally, it is best to always check the expiration date printed on the carton of the eggs prior to consuming them.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your eggs remain safe to eat and retain their high quality.
