Eggs
Quick answer: Raw eggs in their carton last 3 to 5 weeks in the refrigerator. Leaving them at room temperature is not recommended, and whole eggs in the shell should not be frozen, but if you crack and beat them first, they'll keep in the freezer for up to 1 year.
A dozen eggs sits in most fridges like a reliable old friend, until you're not sure how long they've actually been there. The good news: stored right, they last longer than most people think. The bad news: the door of the fridge (where everyone keeps them) is the worst possible spot.
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How to store eggs
Keep eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of the fridge, that's the back of a shelf, not the door, where temps swing every time you grab the ketchup. Aim for 40°F (4°C) or below. The carton isn't just packaging; it slows moisture loss and keeps the eggs from picking up fridge odors.
How to spot spoilage
Crack it open and take a sniff, a sulfuric or rotten smell is the clearest sign it's done. Visually, a bad egg white may look pink, iridescent, or unusually watery; the yolk may be flat or broken before you've touched it. A slimy shell or any green or black discoloration inside means it goes straight in the bin.
Use it up before it spoils
- Whisk the last few into a frittata with whatever vegetables are about to turn in the produce drawer.
- Hard-boil a batch and keep them in the fridge for grab-and-go snacks all week.
- Beat and freeze them now (1/8 tsp salt per egg) so they're ready for baking months from now.
- Make a big pot of fried rice, it uses two to three eggs and clears out leftover grains at the same time.
- Scramble them into a breakfast burrito and freeze the whole thing for a fast weekday morning.
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Best ways to preserve
- freeze
- dehydrate
Nutrition at a glance
Per 100 g (2 large eggs)
| Calories | 143 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0.4 g |
| Fat | 9.5 g |
| Saturated fat | 3.1 g |
| Sodium | 142 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Egg, whole, raw, fresh (SR Legacy)
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Frequently asked questions
How long do eggs last in the refrigerator?
Raw eggs in their original carton last 3 to 5 weeks from the purchase date when stored in the refrigerator at 40u00b0F or below. Keep them in the coldest part of the fridge, the back of a shelf, not in the door.
Can you freeze eggs?
You can freeze eggs, but not whole in the shell, they'll crack. Crack and beat them first, add 1/8 teaspoon of salt per egg to prevent the yolks from getting gummy, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
Do eggs need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Leaving eggs at room temperature is not recommended in the US. Refrigerate them at 40u00b0F or below to maintain quality and safety.
How can you tell if an egg has gone bad?
Crack it open, a sulfuric or rotten smell is the most reliable sign. A bad egg may also have a pink or iridescent white, a flat or broken yolk, or a slimy shell. Any of those: toss it.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?
Cooked eggs last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep them in a sealed container and they're ready for salads, snacks, or slicing onto whatever's for lunch.