Shelf Life Tips
- How long do raw eggs last in the fridge or freezer? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of eggs, keep refrigerated at all times.
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How long do raw eggs last after the expiration date or sell-by date? After eggs are purchased, they will maintain their best quality for about 3 weeks after the "sell by", "use by", "best by", or "expiration" date on the carton, assuming continuous refrigeration.
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To maximize the shelf life of eggs, do not store them in the molded egg rack of the refrigerator door, as the temperature is too warm - the eggs will last much longer when they are stored in the main body of the refrigerator, in their purchased carton.
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How long can raw eggs be left at room temperature? Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140 °F; raw eggs should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
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To further extend the shelf life of eggs, freeze them; do not freeze eggs in their shells.
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To freeze whole eggs: (1) Remove eggs from their shells; (2) Pierce yolks and gently mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every one cup of raw eggs (if using eggs for main dishes) or 1 tablespoon of sugar (if using for baking or desserts); (3) Place in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze.
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How long do raw eggs last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 10 to 12 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - eggs that have been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long do raw eggs last in the fridge once they are out of the shell? Eggs out of the shell will usually stay good for 2 to 4 days in the fridge and one year in the freezer; egg yolks and egg whites may also be frozen separately and used later for cooking or baking purposes.
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How long do eggs last in the fridge if they are hard boiled? Hard boiled eggs will generally stay good for one week in the refrigerator; freezing hard boiled eggs is not recommended.
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How to tell if eggs are bad? The best way is to crack open the egg and examine it: a fresh egg will have a round, high bright yellow yolk and the white will be thick and cloudy; a bad egg will have a very flat yolk and the white will be runny and watery.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
