How Long Do Eggs Last in the Fridge? A Complete Guide

Wondering how long eggs last in the fridge? Intrigued by the possible refrigerator storage times for eggs? Thanks to their versatility and nutritional worth, eggs are a great asset to any kitchen. Whether it’s a quick omeeter, a dessert, or a filling breakfast, eggs are an essential component for any meal that calls for them. Can you remember a time when you cracked open an egg and smelled something terrible right away? People desire not to cope with rotten eggs!

Knowing how long eggs can be kept in the refrigerator will help you guarantee that food is safe to eat, decrease the amount of food wasted, and always have fresh eggs available for your culinary masterpieces. Let’s discuss some ideas for extending the shelf life of eggs, how to find out whether they are still fresh, and the best ways to store eggs.

How Long Do Eggs Last in the Fridge?

1. The Shelf Life of Refrigerated Eggs

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises refrigeration of eggs at forty degrees Fahrenheit (four degrees Celsius) or below to guarantee freshness. Generally speaking, eggs should be stored as follows:

Raw whole eggs (in the shell): 4–5 weeks past the “pack date” on the carton
Raw whole eggs (out of the shell): Up to 2 days
Raw egg whites: Up to 4 days
Raw egg yolks: Up to 2 days
Hard-boiled eggs (with shell): Up to 1 week
Hard-boiled eggs (peeled): Best within 2 days
Frozen eggs (raw whites or yolks): Up to 1 year (if properly stored)

Pro Tip: Always check the sell-by or expiration date on the carton. Eggs often remain fresh beyond these dates if stored correctly.

2. How to Tell If Eggs Are Still Fresh?

The Float Test

This is the easiest way to check egg freshness.

Fill a bowl with cold water.
Gently place the egg in the water.
- Fresh eggs sink and lay flat.
- Slightly older eggs stand upright but remain at the bottom.
- Spoiled eggs float to the top (due to air buildup inside).

The Sniff Test

If an egg smells bad when you crack it open, you should toss it. Difficult to overlook, rotten eggs have a strong smell that reminds one of sulfur.

The Shake Test

Holding the egg close to your ear will help you to shake it. The liquid sloshing sounds suggest that the egg is most likely old and should be thrown away.

3. Best Ways to Store Eggs for Maximum Freshness

Keep Eggs in Their Original Carton

The container they are kept in shields eggs from the strong smells of the refrigerator.
Furthermore, it prevents the loss of moisture, which could affect quality.

Store Eggs in the Coldest Part of the Fridge

The temperature in the refrigerator door can vary. Hence, eggs should not be kept there.
Rather, place them at the rear or in the middle of the refrigerator.

Avoid Washing Eggs Until Use

Washing eggs removes their protective cuticle, a naturally occurring layer used to keep infections out of the egg.
If needed, wipe with a dry cloth before use.

Freeze Eggs for Long-Term Storage

If uncooked, eggs—whites as well as yolks—can be refrigerated for up to a year.
Give the eggs a short stir before refrigeration; then, put them in an airtight container or ice cube tray.
Hard-boiled eggs do not freeze well since the whites turn rubbery.

4. Common Myths About Egg Freshness and Storage

1: You Don’t Need to Refrigerate Eggs

Because American eggs are washed before they are sold, their natural protective covering is lost, which calls for refrigeration.
In several European nations, eggs are kept at room temperature and not clean so they can be preserved unaltered.

2: The Color of the Egg Yolk Indicates Freshness

Not the freshness of the egg but the hen’s nutrition determines the yolk’s color.
Hens with a diet high in carotenoids—such as marigold petals—produce yolks with a dark orange hue.

3: If an Egg Smells Fine, It’s Safe to Eat

Some eggs can contain salmonella without having an off smell.
Always cook eggs properly to 160°F (71°C) to kill bacteria.

5. Tips to Make Eggs Last Longer

Buy the freshest eggs possible. Check the pack date on the cartons.
Store eggs with the pointed end down. This helps keep the yolk centered and preserves quality.
Use egg containers with tight lids. This minimizes exposure to air and strong fridge odors.
Pick pasteurized eggs for raw recipes. If making homemade mayo or tiramisu, pasteurized eggs reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Cooking eggs? Know their nutrition! If you love fried eggs, you might be wondering about their calorie content. Get a full breakdown here: How Many Calories in a Fried Egg ?

6. Can You Use Expired Eggs?

Eggs are often still good past their expiration date, but it’s crucial to check for freshness before using them.

Ways to use older (but still safe) eggs:

Baking: Slightly older eggs work well in cakes and cookies.
Boiling: Older eggs are easier to peel after boiling.
Scrambled eggs: If they pass the float and sniff test, they’re usually safe to cook.
Muffin Tin Eggs: Try using older eggs in baked egg cups, a delicious and convenient breakfast option. Check out this easy recipe: Muffin Tin Eggs.

However, if you’re unsure, it’s always safer to discard them!

Keep Your Eggs Fresh & Safe

Knowing how long eggs can be kept in the refrigerator will help you to maximize their freshness and minimize their waste. Eggs are necessary. Following the right storage guidelines will help you confirm the freshness of the eggs and avoid common misconceptions, thereby enabling you to safely enjoy eggs in all of your preferred cuisines.

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