Eggs are a staple on most people’s shopping lists whether you are making scrambled eggs for breakfast or using them in pasta for dinner. However, buying eggs during the summer can be a bit risky, as they will spoil more quickly in warm temperatures if not stored properly.
It is common in Britain to keep eggs at room temperature on a kitchen worktop but the professionals at British Lion Eggs have shared that the absolute best place to store them is in the fridge. They said: “Best practice is to store eggs in the fridge; that way the temperature is always at a constant and your eggs will be fresher!”
The key to keeping eggs fresh and ensuring they are safe to eat is to store them at a consistent temperature, which is why the fridge is the ideal place for them.
It is usually acceptable to store eggs at room temperature, but they should always be kept below 20C, and most British kitchens are currently warmer than that since temperatures have risen to 30C in the UK this summer.
When eggs are stored in a warm environment, condensation and moisture can build up on the shell which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the egg.
As a result, the egg begins will begin to deteriorate so they become watery, unappetising, and begin to rot as they will expire quickly.
Salmonella bacteria also multiply rapidly in hot conditions or when the temperature changes suddenly, which can lead to food poisoning.
Keeping eggs in the fridge keeps them at a cool and steady temperature which prevents condensation so eggs stay fresh for much longer.
However, do not store eggs in the fridge door, even if it has built-in egg holders, as the constant temperature changes from opening and closing the door can encourage bacterial growth.
The best place to keep eggs is in the middle of your fridge and in their original carton packaging as this also keeps eggs and all the food nearby sage.
The expert said: ”Eggshells have tiny pores which bacteria from other foods and smells such as food odour and flavouring can seep through over time. Our tip – keep the carton!”
It may be traditional to keep eggs on the worktop, but if you make a little room in your fridge, your eggs will last much longer and be protected from any harmful bacteria.