“How long can you keep eggs” is the question people always ask. Eggs are perishable and must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Many factors can affect how long eggs last. When properly handled and stored, eggs rarely spoil. However, if you keep them too long, they are likely to dry up. These fresh egg storage tips below help you learn how to properly store eggs to last. Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerate eggs at 40°F or less. Store them in their original carton on an inside shelf and away from pungent foods. The temperature on an inside shelf remains more constant than one on the door, which is opened and closed frequently. The carton keeps the eggs from picking up odors or flavors from other foods and helps prevent moisture loss. Raw eggs that have been removed from their shells should be refrigerated in a tightly covered container. Refrigerated whole egg yolks should be covered with water to prevent them from drying out; drain before using. The following chart shows how long hard-boiled eggs and raw eggs last when stored in the refrigerator.
Freezer Storage: If you have more eggs than you can use within a few weeks, you can freeze them, out of their shells. Freeze only clean, fresh eggs. Place them in freezer containers, seal tightly and label with the number of eggs, whites or yolks and the date. Defrost frozen eggs overnight in the refrigerator. Egg yolks thicken (or gel) when frozen. To hinder gel formation, beat in either 1/8 teaspoon salt or 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar or corn syrup per ¼ cup yolks (4 Large) before freezing. Indicate “with salt” (main dishes) or “with sugar” (desserts) on the label. The following chart shows how long hard-boiled eggs and raw eggs last when stored in the freezer.
Yes, you can freeze eggs. Eggs can be frozen for up to a year, although it is recommended to use them within 4 months for freshness. Many people find themselves being left with spare egg whites or yolks after a recipe requiring just one or the other, or even throwing out unused eggs when the box hits its expiry date.
“How long can you keep eggs” is the question people always ask. Eggs are perishable and must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Many factors can affect how long eggs last. When properly handled and stored, eggs rarely spoil. However, if you keep them too long, they are likely to dry up. These fresh egg storage tips below help you learn how to properly store eggs to last. Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerate eggs at 40°F or less. Store them in their original carton on an inside shelf and away from pungent foods. The temperature on an inside shelf remains more constant than one on the door, which is opened and closed frequently. The carton keeps the eggs from picking up odors or flavors from other foods and helps prevent moisture loss. Raw eggs that have been removed from their shells should be refrigerated in a tightly covered container. Refrigerated whole egg yolks should be covered with water to prevent them from drying out; drain before using. The following chart shows how long hard-boiled eggs and raw eggs last when stored in the refrigerator.
Freezer Storage: If you have more eggs than you can use within a few weeks, you can freeze them, out of their shells. Freeze only clean, fresh eggs. Place them in freezer containers, seal tightly and label with the number of eggs, whites or yolks and the date. Defrost frozen eggs overnight in the refrigerator. Egg yolks thicken (or gel) when frozen. To hinder gel formation, beat in either 1/8 teaspoon salt or 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar or corn syrup per ¼ cup yolks (4 Large) before freezing. Indicate “with salt” (main dishes) or “with sugar” (desserts) on the label. The following chart shows how long hard-boiled eggs and raw eggs last when stored in the freezer.
You can also use a thermometer to check that your refrigerator is at the proper temperature (below 40°F or 4°C) (10).
With proper storage, eggs can last for at least 3–5 weeks in the fridge and about 1 year in the freezer.
Nevertheless, older eggs can be used for almost any purpose. If you’re not sure how long an egg has been sitting in the fridge, crack it open and conduct a sniff test first.
Read this article to find out more about how to tell if an egg is good or bad.
This chart explains how long eggs can be stored before going bad or becoming so low in quality (taste and texture) that it’s best to throw them out (8, 10):
How Long Can Eggs Really Last?
FAQ
Do eggs expire in freezer?
Are fresh eggs ruined if they freeze?
Can you freeze eggs in their shell?
Can I use eggs that accidentally froze?
Can you freeze eggs if they go bad?
Whether they’re cooked on their own for breakfast or whisked into cake batter, eggs are a versatile staple ingredient in many households. While a carton of eggs can keep for 3–5 weeks in the refrigerator, you may wonder whether it’s safe to freeze those you won’t be able to use before they go bad ( 1 ).
How long do hard boiled eggs last when refrigerated?
Hard-boiled eggs can be preserved up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Keeping them with the shell will help to protect the egg from bacteria, and can help prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in your refrigerator.
Do refrigerated eggs go bad?
In fact, refrigeration is so effective at controlling the growth of bacteria that in combination with an egg’s protective shell and enzymes, refrigerated eggs rarely go bad — as long as they have been handled and stored properly. Nevertheless, egg quality declines over time.
What happens if you freeze raw eggs?
When raw eggs freeze, the liquid inside expands, which can cause the shells to crack. As a result, the contents of the egg can spoil and are at risk of bacterial contamination ( 3, 4 ). Additionally, freezing raw, shelled eggs can negatively affect the texture, as the egg yolks become thick and gel-like.