Gaby
Researchers are warning that storing eggs on the refrigerator door shelf is a mistake. Yet, this is how most consumers do it.
Adam Oakley, a British food expert, explained where eggs will be best stored.
It might seem logical to use the designated egg compartments in refrigerator doors, but why look for another spot for this product?
Mr. Oakley argues that the door is far from an ideal place for eggs. Primarily, there’s a significant risk of contamination and breakage, as reported by the Daily Mail. Additionally, the refrigerator door experiences “constant temperature fluctuations due to regular opening and closing,” the expert noted.
“This unstable environment creates conditions for bacteria to thrive, which weakens the egg’s natural protective barrier and accelerates spoilage,” Adam Oakley pointed out.
So where should they be placed?
The expert asserts that eggs should be stored not in the door but in the back of the middle shelf of the refrigerator. The constant temperature in this area is typically below 2 °C, which, according to Mr. Oakley, is crucial for maintaining egg freshness.
However, storing eggs in the middle of the refrigerator exposes them to the risk of absorbing unwanted odors from other foods. Nevertheless, the expert is confident that no foreign smells will affect the eggs if they are placed in a covered container or simply left in their original cardboard packaging. “This will help maintain the quality of the product and keep your refrigerator organized,” he added.
For those who don’t keep eggs in the refrigerator at all, Mr. Oakley strongly recommends changing this practice. “Eggs stored at room temperature start to lose quality within just a few days, especially in warm climates,” he noted. Meanwhile, in the refrigerator, eggs can retain their freshness for 3 to 5 weeks.
However, even in the refrigerator, they shouldn’t be kept too long. “While refrigeration significantly extends shelf life, it’s always best to consume eggs within a few weeks,” said Adam Oakley.
How to keep eggs fresh for as long as possible?
The expert also shared several tips to help keep eggs fresh longer.
- Keep them in their original cardboard packaging or a container to provide a protective barrier.
- Do not wash eggs before storing them, as this removes their natural coating and makes them more susceptible to bacteria.
- Store eggs with the pointed end down to keep the yolk centered.
- Finally, keep them as far away from strongly scented foods as possible to prevent the absorption of unwanted odors.
pexels.com
