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1. How long can fresh eggs be stored in the refrigerator?
The freshness of eggs can be maintained for a period ranging from 2 hours to a maximum of 1 year, depending on the purchase location and your egg storage method.
Eggs originating from grocery stores or farmers' markets can ensure freshness and nutritional content for several weeks if stored in the refrigerator, often much longer than the expiration date printed on the eggshell or carton.
In the case of frozen eggs, they can be kept for a longer period. The key here is to have a storage method suitable for your usage needs to keep the eggs fresh and nutritious.
You can refer to the egg storage guidelines provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as follows:
2. Is it advisable to store fresh eggs in the refrigerator?
A newly laid egg has a natural protective layer called 'bloom,' which seals and shields the egg from bacterial invasion. If this egg is washed, the bloom layer disappears, and the eggshell becomes more porous and prone to damage.
Salmonella bacteria are often found on the shells of fresh eggs. This type of bacteria can cause nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, and, worse, fever. These symptoms are commonly associated with those who consume raw or undercooked eggs or products made from contaminated eggs.
In the 1970s, due to concerns about hygiene, the U.S. Department of Agriculture mandated large-scale egg producers and processors to implement procedures for washing, sanitation, and immediate refrigeration of eggs. Similar practices were adopted in Canada, Japan, and some Northern European countries.
However, in most countries within the European Union, producers are not allowed to wash or refrigerate eggs, even in stores. Europeans believe that eggs are naturally protected from bacteria due to the integrity of the shell and can be stored naturally for several days.
Furthermore, many countries require poultry farmers to vaccinate their flocks to prevent salmonella contamination. For this reason, many small-scale farmers often sell eggs immediately after harvesting from the farm without undergoing a cleaning process. They believe that the natural factors of the eggs have helped protect safety from bacteria, as long as you don't clean the eggshells excessively.
However, research from the Georgia Agricultural Research Service has indicated that the bloom layer covering the eggshell quickly degrades, dries, and flakes off when the egg comes into contact with the external environment. Therefore, refrigeration remains the optimal method, not only safeguarding eggs from bacteria but also preserving the quality of the eggs.
Researchers examined 5,400 eggs and found that those washed and refrigerated remained Grade A (very high quality) for an average of 15 weeks. Eggs stored at room temperature saw a faster decline in quality, dropping from Grade A (highest quality) to Grade B (lowest quality) in just one week. Additionally, the weight of these eggs decreased by 15% after 15 weeks.
3. Tips for preserving fresh eggs in the refrigerator
This article has addressed the question of whether or not to store eggs in the refrigerator. Hopefully, with these insights, you now have the appropriate answer and know how to keep eggs fresh, nutritious, and delicious.
Source: Compilation
