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How long can eggs be stored? And how to check for spoiled eggs and eat them safely

How long can eggs be stored? And how to check for spoiled eggs and eat them safely.

Eggs are a common household ingredient that almost every household must have in the refrigerator. They come with complete nutritional value, making eggs a popular choice. But the question that many people wonder is, how long can the fresh eggs we buy be stored? And is there an easy way to check for spoiled eggs. Before using them for safety and good hygiene? This article has answers and tips that you can use immediately.

eggs be stored

How long can eggs be stored?

The shelf life of eggs depends on several factors, mainly the freshness of the eggs to begin with and how they were stored.

Fresh, unwashed eggs (with bloom): If the eggs are freshly picked from the farm and have not been washed (which will show some dirt). The eggs will have a “bloom” coating on the shell. This bloom acts as a natural barrier, protecting the eggs from bacteria and preserving their freshness. If stored at normal room temperature (not too hot). They can last up to 1-2 weeks. But if stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to 3-5 weeks.

Washed eggs: Most eggs we buy from supermarkets or stores have been washed. Which removes the egg white coating. Causing some of the eggs to lose their natural protective barrier. Therefore, they should always be stored in the refrigerator to slow down the growth of bacteria and to maintain the quality of the eggs.

In the refrigerator (egg compartment): Generally, eggs stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of approximately 4 degrees Celsius or lower will maintain good quality for approximately 3-5 weeks from the date of manufacture or approximately 2-3 weeks from the date of purchase.

Room temperature: It is not recommended to keep washed eggs outside the refrigerator for more than 2-3 days. Especially in Thailand’s hot and humid climate. As this can cause the eggs to spoil much faster.

*Further advice

Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator egg compartment or in their original egg cartons to prevent absorption of odors from other foods and reduce temperature changes.

Place the eggs with the pointed end facing down and the blunt end facing up. So that the air sac in the egg is on top. Which helps to keep it fresh better.

Eggs should not be stored in the refrigerator door: Because opening and closing the door frequently causes the temperature to fluctuate. Causing the eggs to deteriorate faster.

Easy tips to check for bad eggs yourself

The float test is the simplest and most popular method.

  • How to make: Place the eggs in a glass or bowl filled with cold water.
  • result
    • The egg lies flat on the ground: This indicates that the เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา egg is very fresh and the air sac inside is still small.
    • The egg is slightly upright but the tip is still touching the ground: This indicates that the egg is still fresh enough and can be cooked.
    • All the eggs float to the surface: This indicates that the eggs are spoiled and should not be eaten because the air sacs inside have expanded greatly due to accumulated gas.

Shake the egg and listen to the sound.

  • How to do it: Hold the egg close to your ear and gently shake it.
  • result:
    • No sound or a very soft sound: This indicates that the eggs are still fresh. Because the egg white and yolk are still firm.
    • Hearing a splashing sound or a loud noise: This indicates that the egg may be spoiled or not fresh anymore because the egg white is starting to runny, allowing the yolk to move around more easily.

Observe the external appearance (before hammering)

  • Eggshell: If the eggshell looks cracked, has mucus, or has a powdery residue around it, this could be a sign of bacterial growth.
    Odor: If there is a foul odor coming from the shell. The egg has gone bad.

Note when cracking an egg

  • Smell: Smell is the best indicator. If it smells sour, pungent, or sulfurous like rotten egg gas. It means the egg is spoiled and should never be eaten.
  • Characteristics of egg yolk and egg white:
  • Fresh eggs: The yolk will be beautifully bulging and round. The egg white will stick together well and not runny.
  • Eggs are not fresh/spoiled: The yolk will flatten and the egg white will be runny and watery.

Knowing how long eggs last and how to check for spoilage is important for anyone who uses eggs on a regular basis. Storing eggs properly in the refrigerator will help prolong their freshness, and when in doubt, always use the float or smell trick to be safe. Doing this will not only ensure. That you are eating good quality eggs. But it will also help avoid the waste and health problems that can come from consuming spoiled eggs.