How to Store Eggs to Keep Them Fresh and Safe, According to Experts
Eggs are one of the most versatile foods in the kitchen. Not only are they a classic breakfast item, but they can bind, emulsify, and leaven other ingredients, depending on the recipe. But they are perishable so it’s important to know how to store eggs properly for a quality (and safe) final dish. Learn how to store them according to food professionals, whether you’re bringing them home from the store or stashing them in the refrigerator. Also, find out if you can freeze eggs for long-term storage.
How to Store Eggs on the Way Home
Eggs should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, per Kimberly Baker, Ph.D., RD, LD, director of the Clemson Extension Food Systems and Safety Program Team. Otherwise, if an egg is contaminated with Salmonella, the bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels, says Baker. “In such cases, even cooking the egg to the recommended minimum internal temperature of 145°F may not eliminate all the Salmonella present,” she adds.
Thus, the moment you remove a carton of eggs from the refrigerator at the supermarket, it’s essential to be mindful of storage and timing. If you are not going home directly from the store or during hot weather, store eggs in an insulated bag to keep them cool. Also, pack them so they sit flat to reduce the risk of breakage. You can place them “on top of a bag with stable items underneath or give them their own bag,” says Kierin Baldwin, chef-instructor of pastry and baking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.
Once you’re home, promptly put the eggs in the refrigerator.
How to Store Eggs in the Refrigerator
Whole Eggs
Store whole, in-shell eggs on the main shelves of your refrigerator, says Sarah Beth Tanner, recipe developer at Pete & Gerry’s. Avoid the top shelf or the corners, where the cold air might circulate poorly, causing the eggs to freeze and break, she adds.
It’s also best to avoid keeping eggs on the refrigerator door, which experiences the most frequent temperature fluctuations when the fridge is opened and closed, says Baldwin.
Shelf Life: Use eggs within three weeks.
Use the Original Carton
When storing eggs at home, skip the pricey porcelain holders or the plastic egg trays that come with some refrigerators. “Eggs should be stored in their original carton, which is specifically designed to protect them from cracking,” notes Baker. The carton also displays important information, such as the expiration, use-by or sell-by date, she adds.
“If the original carton is unavailable, transfer the eggs to a lidded storage container to prevent odor absorption. Be sure to label the container with the eggs’ expiration date to keep track of their freshness and ensure older eggs are used first,” says Baker.
Raw Eggs Without Shells
Ideally, eggs should not be cracked until you’re ready to use them. But if you need to save raw whole eggs out of their shells, keep them in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator, instructs Baldwin.
If you’re only saving egg yolks, put a small piece of plastic wrap directly on their surface to prevent them from drying out and forming a skin, she says. Then, store them in the refrigerator as usual.
Once cracked and open, never leave fresh eggs exposed to air. “They will dry out and become unusable,” says Baldwin.
Shelf Life: In the refrigerator, raw whole eggs and egg yolks without shells will last up to two days. Raw egg whites without shells will last up to four days.
How to Store Cooked Eggs
Once cooked, eggs should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator as usual. This will keep them fresh and safe to eat, which is key if you like cooking batches of hard-boiled eggs in advance. Again, keep them in a covered container for the best quality.
Shelf Life: Eat cooked eggs within three to four days. Use hard-boiled eggs within one week.
Can You Freeze Eggs?
Yes, you can freeze raw eggs—but there’s a right way to do it. Here’s how to freeze eggs for longer storage, according to the American Egg Board:
- Crack the eggs to remove them from their shells.
- Separate the egg whites and yolks, if needed. If freezing yolks, mix every four eggs with 1/8 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon sugar to prevent the yolks from thickening.
- Lightly beat the eggs, whites, or yolks, then put them in a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid.
- Date and label the container.
- Store in the freezer.
Shelf Life: Raw whole eggs, whites, and yolks will last up to one year in the freezer.
Never freeze raw eggs in their shells, as the liquid can expand and crack the shells.
Tips for Safe Egg Storage
Handle with care: Remember, eggs are fragile. Factors like improper storage, mishandling, and tiny hairline cracks can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, says Tanner—so be gentle with your eggs.
Avoid cracked eggs: When shopping for eggs, skip any cartons with cracked eggs. “A cracked egg creates an entry point for contaminants, increasing the risk of contamination from airborne particles or contact with surfaces, including a person’s hands,” says Baker. This can heighten the risk of foodborne illness, even if the contaminated egg is stored properly.
Do not wash eggs: Never wash an egg at home, as this can push bacteria through the shell, says Tanner. “If you come across an egg with dirt on it, simply wipe it off with a dry cloth or paper towel,” suggests Tanner.
Do wash your hands: “Your hands are one of the most useful tools when cooking, but they’re also one of the most common vectors for contamination,” says Baldwin. Thus, when handling eggs (or food of any kind), it’s imperative to wash your hands before and after touching it.
Baldwin notes that washing your hands beforehand can prevent germs on your hands from getting into your food. Similarly, washing your hands afterward can prevent pathogens from said food—such as those in raw eggs—from being transferred to other foods and surfaces you touch.
Store eggs away from pungent foods: “Eggs are porous, especially American eggs, which have been processed in a way that removes the natural protective cuticle from the outside of the eggs,” says Baldwin. This is also why they need to be refrigerated, she adds.
Because of this, they can absorb odors from strong-smelling foods if they’re stored nearby for too long, says Baldwin. Examples of such items include onions, kimchi, and fish.
Check your refrigerator’s temperature: To ensure your eggs stay fresh, make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or colder. If your refrigerator is above this temperature, your eggs (and other food items) will enter the temperature danger zone, the range at which bacteria like Salmonella will rapidly multiply, says Baker.
