Chicken eggs are a versatile and nutritious food, a staple in many family kitchens.
Kelly Fernandes, a lecturer at the College of Food Innovation and Technology at Johnson & Wales University in the US, states that maintaining a low-temperature environment is crucial for egg freshness. She advises keeping supermarket eggs at 4 degrees C or below.
For optimal preservation, place eggs in the coldest section of the refrigerator, typically the middle shelf or deep inside, rather than the door. The refrigerator door often lacks consistent coldness and experiences temperature swings, which can compromise egg quality.
Bridget Vickers, a culinary academy lecturer, recommends keeping eggs in their original paper cartons rather than transferring them to reusable plastic containers. "Storing eggs in their original packaging in the refrigerator is best. The paper carton protects eggs from absorbing strong food odors and helps prevent moisture loss," she explains.
How long can eggs be stored in the refrigerator?
Kelly Fernandes explains that properly stored eggs often last beyond their printed "best by" date. She clarifies that this date is not a strict cutoff: eggs kept at 4 degrees C or below with intact shells can remain fresh for up to 4 additional weeks after the date printed on the carton.
Elisa Maloberti, Manager of Food Safety and Innovation Partnerships at the American Egg Board, notes that a "best before" date indicates optimal quality. While older eggs may have thinner whites and flatter yolks, this doesn't signify spoilage or unsuitability for consumption.
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Eggs are an indispensable ingredient in many family kitchens. *Bui Thuy* |
4 ways to check egg freshness
Beyond checking the carton's "best by" date, Kelly Fernandes suggests these methods to assess egg freshness:
The float test
Gently place an intact egg into a bowl of room-temperature water. A fresh egg will sink flat, while an older egg will stand upright or float, indicating expanded internal air pockets.
The shake test
Hold the egg near your ear and gently shake it. No sound suggests freshness. A distinct sloshing sound indicates an older egg.
Visual inspection
Crack the egg into a bowl. Fresh eggs exhibit a thick, slightly cloudy white. Older eggs will have a thin, watery white.
The smell test
After cracking, note any unusual odors. Spoiled eggs release a distinct rotten, sulfurous smell. Also, inspect the shell for cracks or mold.
By My Y (Source: HK01)
