No matter if you like them fried, poached, or scrambled, eggs are a kitchen staple, so now that the hot weather is here, it is important to know the best way to store them. In the UK, most of us keep eggs on the countertop, but Shirley Rhoades, a food hygiene expert from True Bites Family Butchers has shared the key to keeping eggs fresh is to actually store them in the fridge.
She said: “Eggs should be kept at a cool and consistent temperature, preferably below 20C, which helps to minimise the growth of any micro-organisms that may be present. The best way to avoid temperature fluctuations, and thus the best way to keep your eggs fresh, is to keep your eggs in the fridge.”
It is normally fine to keep eggs stored at room temperature, as British eggs are sold with their natural protective coating intact, which is usually enough to protect them from bacteria.
However, as the weather gets warmer, temperature fluctuations can cause the protective coating on the shell to break down, allowing bacteria like Salmonella to enter the egg.
Eggs need to stay at a consistent temperature as any changes can cause condensation to form on the shell, and once they cool down again the moisture will seep into the egg to contaminate it.
To keep your eggs fresh and free of germs store them at the back of the fridge on the lower shelves, as this is the coldest area and therefore prevent temperture fluctuations.
Many people keep their eggs in the fridge door but this is actually one of the worst places to store them as they will be exposed to air and heat every time you open the fridge.
Shirley said: ”I would always recommend that you keep your eggs in their original carton, so you are aware of the Best Before date, and to try and avoid storing your eggs in the fridge door, as this part of the fridge is most likely to incur fluctuations in temperature.”
Egg cartons are designed to protect eggs from absorbing strong odours from other food in your kitchen, and they are usually padded to prevent the eggs from cracking if moved around.
If you can, another simple way to keep eggs fresher for longer is to turn them upside down, with the narrow pointer end at the bottom.
It may sound bizarre, but keeping eggs upside down helps keep the yolk in the center and more stable, which prevents the proteins from breaking down, helping to maintain its freshness.
Storing eggs in the fridge may not be traditional in the UK, but during the hot summer months, it can help keep them fresh, so you don’t have to worry about Salmonella or a foul rotten smell in your kitchen.
