A culinary expert has shared the best way to store eggs to make sure they don’t go off and watery
The debate on the best way to store eggs rages on, with some Brits favouring the fridge and others leaving them at room temperature. Unlike in the US, where eggs must be refrigerated due to a washing process that strips their natural coating, UK-packaged eggs don’t require this – yet many in Britain still insist on keeping their eggs cool for extended freshness.
Dean Harper of Harper Fine Dining, who skilfully marries classic French methods with contemporary trends, emphasises the importance of egg storage. He shared with Express.co.uk that eggs “should definitely be stored in the fridge, but not just anywhere.”
Dean explained: “Warmer temperatures and frequent handling can speed up the decline of freshness-that’s why it’s said to treat your eggs gently.
“On the other hand, keeping them consistently cold and undisturbed slows this down, and this method’s stuck with me since my early culinary days.”
For optimal preservation, Dean advises storing eggs in the fridge, which should be maintained between three and five degrees Celsius (37F to 40F), reports the Express. He also pointed out that the “best spot” for eggs is within the main compartment of the fridge rather than the door.
“Temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the door can cause the whites to break down faster. This is a tip I picked up ages ago, and it truly makes a difference,” Dean revealed.
Watery egg whites can be a sign of ageing, as eggs lose carbon dioxide and moisture over time. Dean pointed out: “As an egg ages, it starts to lose moisture, and this affects the texture. Such changes can be subtle, but even a few days can affect your poached eggs.”
But it’s not all down to the fridge when it comes to keeping eggs in tip-top condition at home. Dean highlighted that Fortnum & Mason always stores its eggs in cartons, explaining: “That’s key. The carton helps prevent the eggs from absorbing strong odours from other foods and shields them from light, which can break them down faster.
“What fascinates me is that sometimes, the simplest steps are often overlooked, yet they make all the difference in food quality.”
British Lion Eggs experts also recommend sticking with traditional egg cartons rather than fancy holders or even the egg shelf in the fridge. The box not only safeguards the eggs but also displays the best-before date.
However, Sophie Trueman, UK&I Country Director for Too Good To Go, cautions against using this date as an absolute guide for throwing away eggs.
Sophie explained that these dates signal when eggs are at their optimal freshness, noting that Best Before dates are more about quality than safety, unlike Use by or Expiry dates, which have stricter implications.
A sniff test will tell you if an egg has gone bad once cracked open. Fresh eggs should smell neutral and clean, so if there’s a whiff of sulphur or any foul smell, it’s safer to bin the egg.
If the egg appears and smells alright, you can move on to a small taste test. Whip up a tiny bit and give it a try before deciding to consume the entire egg.
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