Eggs
Quick answer: Raw shell eggs last 3-5 weeks in the fridge at 40°F or below. Don't leave them out at room temperature, and if you need to freeze them, crack and beat them first, whole eggs in the shell will crack in the freezer.
Eggs are one of the most useful things in your fridge, right up until you crack one open and immediately know something is wrong. The good news: stored correctly in their carton on an inside shelf, they'll hold for 3-5 weeks without any drama. The part people get wrong is leaving them on the counter, which is where the drama starts.
Pantry
Refrigerator
Freezer
How to store eggs
Keep eggs in their original carton on an inside shelf of the fridge, not the door, where temps swing every time you grab the milk. Store at 40°F or below and away from anything with a strong smell (eggs are porous and will absorb it). If you crack one accidentally, transfer it to a sealed container and use it within 2 days.
How to spot spoilage
Cracked or leaking shells before you've done anything to them. A sulfur or off smell when you crack one open. Slimy texture, off color, or visible mold in cooked egg dishes. If an egg sat out too long, toss it even if it looks fine.
How to revive them
If a carton was briefly left out but is still within safe time and temperature limits, refrigerate it immediately. Crack any broken eggs into a clean sealed container and use within 2 days. Once an egg has actually spoiled, there's no bringing it back.
Use it up before it spoils
- Scramble three of them with whatever vegetables are wilting in the crisper drawer.
- Hard-boil the whole carton, refrigerate, and snack on them all week.
- Make a frittata, it's basically a crustless quiche that uses 6 eggs and clears out half your fridge.
- Crack and beat any eggs nearing the end of their run, freeze in an ice cube tray, and use them in future baking.
- Whip up a batch of deviled eggs, they disappear faster than you'd expect.
Recipes to try
Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
allrecipes.com
A make-ahead breakfast that uses a solid number of eggs and basically runs itself while you sleep.
Chef John's French Omelette
allrecipes.com
Three eggs, two minutes, and you'll never look at a sad desk lunch the same way again.
Perfect Scrambled Eggs
simplyrecipes.com
The technique that makes scrambled eggs worth eating on a Tuesday morning.
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Best ways to preserve
- freeze
- pickle
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 fridge?
Raw shell eggs last 3-5 weeks in the fridge when stored at 40u00b0F or below in their original carton. Keep them on an inside shelf, not the door, for the most stable temperature.
Can you freeze eggs?
You can freeze eggs, but not in the shell, they'll crack. Crack them out, beat them lightly until just blended, and freeze in a sealed container or portioned tray for up to 1 year. Thaw in the fridge or under cold running water.
Do eggs need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Raw shell eggs should be refrigerated at 40u00b0F or below and shouldn't sit out for more than 1 hour in warm conditions. Room-temperature storage is not recommended for safety.
How can you tell if an egg has gone bad?
Crack it into a bowl and smell it, a sulfur or off odor is the clearest sign it's done. Also watch for cracked or leaking shells before cracking, and any unusual color or texture once it's open. If an egg sat out too long, discard it even if it looks normal.
Can you pickle eggs to make them last longer?
Yes, but only hard-cooked eggs, and they must stay refrigerated after pickling. There are no approved room-temperature canning recipes for pickled eggs, skipping refrigeration creates a botulism risk, so keep them cold.