Eggs can stay fresh for up to 5 weeks if stored in 1 overlooked kitchen spot
Eggs are a staple in most households, but it can be confusing to know the best place to store them to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
“You should avoid storing eggs in the refrigerator door itself. It's the place where temperature changes the most, caused by the door being opened and closed.”
Eggs feature at the top of most people's shopping lists as they provide an incredibly satisfying breakfast, but there has long been discussion over whether it is preferable to store them in the fridge or not.
In the UK, eggs are usually kept at room temperature on the kitchen worktop as they are not washed prior to being sold, meaning they retain their natural protective coating that wards off bacteria.
Nevertheless, Judd Clarke, a specialist from Currys, has settled the discussion and revealed that the absolute "best" location to store eggs is the fridge if you want them to maintain a long shelf life.
Judd said: "According to the British Egg Information Service (yep, there's such a thing), eggs should be kept in the fridge if you want them to stay fresh for longer. Most importantly - salmonella bacteria does not multiply in the fridge."
Eggs will generally last up to four to five weeks longer when stored in the fridge as the cool temperature maintains their freshness and also slows down bacterial development, reports the Express.
Can you keep eggs on the countertop?
It is perfectly acceptable to keep eggs stored at room temperature if you would rather, it simply means they will only remain good for up to one or two weeks after purchase.
The secret to storing eggs and avoiding salmonella is maintaining eggs at a consistent stable temperature as it will stop condensation from developing on the eggshell.
A sudden change in temperature will produce moisture, which bacteria will flourish in and potentially breach the shell. Fluctuations in temperature will also cause the eggshell to contract and expand, weakening it and heightening the risk of contamination.
Whether you prefer to store your eggs in the fridge or on the worktop, the key is to ensure they are kept at a consistent temperature once purchased, in order to guarantee they remain safe to eat.
How should you store eggs in the fridge?
It may seem straightforward enough to simply place your eggs in the fridge, but you should take care not to store them in the door on a rack.
Judd said: "You should avoid storing eggs in the refrigerator door itself. It's the place where temperature changes the most, caused by the door being opened and closed.
"So even if your fridge has got one of those cute and tempting egg racks in a shelf on your door, you should ignore it."
Rather, it is far preferable to keep them in the original carton from the supermarket, as it has been specifically designed to protect eggs from damage and will also display the expiry date.
If you are looking to extend the shelf life of your eggs, the optimum spot is the middle shelf of the fridge, where a steady temperature and consistent moisture level will keep them fresher for longer.
Judd said: "The middle shelf of a fridge tends to stay at a more consistent temperature than other areas (especially the fridge door or near the freezer). Remember, temperature fluctuations can have a serious impact on the quality and freshness of your eggs."