It happens to the best of us. You buy "fresh" eggs, only to find out that your expensive, organic, cage-free, brown eggs are past their sell-by date. But don't trash them just yet, because you can probably still use them! Raw, shelled eggs typically last three weeks after their sell-by date when properly refrigerated and four to five weeks after their packing date when properly refrigerated.
Boiling or cracking eggs shortens their shelf life, with boiled eggs lasting about a week. This is because eggshells, which are highly porous, have a thin coating of mineral oil that seals and protects the egg. Boiling them washes away this protective sealing, leaving the shell susceptible to bacterial contamination. Once you peel these eggs, you should eat them the same day. After cracking them, raw, whole eggs have to be eaten within two days. Egg whites stored on their own can last up to four days, but yolks have to be used within two days.
If your eggs are reaching the end of their shelf life and you just want to really be sure, you can always check the freshness with a water test. Just take a cold glass or bowl of water, and gently place the egg into the cup. If the egg sinks, it's fresh and safe to eat. If it floats, then the egg has spoiled.
If you need to significantly extend their shelf life, consider freezing your eggs. Frozen whole eggs, yolks, and whites can be frozen for up to a year. But be aware that egg yolks thicken when frozen. To slow this process, beat in either 1/8 teaspoon salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar for every four yolks. While you may encounter some slight changes in texture and preparation, they will still be edible.
Now that you know how long you can store your eggs, check out these delicious egg recipes for breakfast, lunch, and — yes — even dinner.
FAQs
With proper storage, eggs can last for at least 3–5 weeks in the fridge and about 1 year in the freezer. The longer an egg is stored, the more its quality declines, making it less springy and more runny. However, older eggs are still good for several uses.
Can you store eggs for 2 years? ›
Sometimes properly water glassed eggs are still fresh even after two years. Homestead folks have been using this preservation method since the 1800s to capitalize on the springtime egg abundance year round.
Can eggs be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months? ›
Eggs may be refrigerated three to five weeks from the day they are placed in the refrigerator. The "Sell-By" date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs will be perfectly safe to use. Always purchase eggs before the "Sell-By" or EXP (expiration) date on the carton.
Can you eat eggs 2 months out of date? ›
On those egg cartons, if an expiration date appears, it can be no more than 30 days after the pack date. "As long as they're kept properly refrigerated at 40°F or lower, fresh eggs are safe to eat four to five weeks beyond the carton's Julian date," Maloberti says.
What is the longest way to preserve eggs? ›
Though properly handled farm-fresh eggs last quite a while on the shelf, they won't last indefinitely (or anywhere near a year), this is why water-glassed eggs have become our preferred egg preservation method. Not only will they last up to 18 months, but they taste just like a fresh egg with a near identical texture.
What is the best way to store eggs for a long time? ›
Fresh eggs that are stored in a carton and kept on the coolest shelf in the fridge will last up to 5 weeks. They can last longer if the humidity is high to prevent too much evaporation. One way to make refrigerated eggs last even longer is to wrap each egg in plastic wrap.
How to tell if eggs are bad? ›
If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays on its side, it should be fresh and ready to eat. If it floats all the way to the top, the egg may be spoiled.
Is it safe to eat eggs that have been in the fridge for 6 months? ›
With proper storage, eggs can last for at least 3–5 weeks in the fridge and about 1 year in the freezer. The longer an egg is stored, the more its quality declines, making it less springy and more runny.
Do eggs expire if not refrigerated? ›
A general rule, unwashed eggs will last around two weeks unrefrigerated and about three months or more in your refrigerator. If you're experiencing an egg boom, it's smart to refrigerate any unwashed fresh eggs you aren't planning to eat immediately. This will help them last longer.
What happens if you leave eggs in the fridge too long? ›
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.
As long as the eggs have been properly stored at 40°F or below, they are safe to eat past the expiration date marked on the carton—usually three to five weeks from the day you place them in the refrigerator. Of course, when in doubt, do not eat the eggs and compost them instead.
What can I do with old eggs? ›
Old eggs or rotten eggs are acceptable in composting programs - including your home compost pile. Contact your local recycling coordinator to find out whether your local transfer station offers municipal composting. Or consider starting your own home compost bin for your organic materials!
When to throw out eggs? ›
If the egg doesn't pass the smell test, it's time to toss it. When cracked, eggs should have a neutral odor—not a distinct smell with sulphuric, gassy, or sour notes. A rotten egg smell is an indisputable sign that your egg isn't safe to eat.
Why do unwashed eggs last longer? ›
The rationale is that a chicken egg is coated with a thin, protective “cuticle,” or membrane, that prevents Salmonella and other bacteria from penetrating the shell. Some Europeans argue that makes refrigeration unnecessary and that washing the egg washes away the cuticle.
Can you freeze raw eggs? ›
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), you can freeze eggs for up to one year. When you're ready to use frozen eggs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under running cold water. Use egg yolks or whole eggs as soon as they're thawed.
How long are eggs with bloom good for? ›
They can actually stay on your counter for 2 weeks (then placed in the fridge for up to 3 months). However once they have been in a cooler environment and then returned to a warmer one, condensation forms on the egg. This condensation may remove the bloom and allow for bacteria to enter the egg.
Can you stockpile eggs? ›
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.
How long can you keep eggs from farm? ›
Per the FDA, for the best quality, you should use eggs within three weeks of their purchase date. Donovan, however, gives a slightly longer shelf life—six weeks in the fridge for farm-fresh eggs, and four weeks in the fridge for eggs from a grocery store.
How old can eggs be and still be good? ›
With proper storage, eggs can last for at least 3–5 weeks in the fridge and about 1 year in the freezer. The longer an egg is stored, the more its quality declines, making it less springy and more runny. However, older eggs are still good for several uses.
How long will unwashed eggs last? ›
A general rule, unwashed eggs will last around two weeks unrefrigerated and about three months or more in your refrigerator. If you're experiencing an egg boom, it's smart to refrigerate any unwashed fresh eggs you aren't planning to eat immediately. This will help them last longer.
