How should I store my eggs?

There has been much discussion about how to properly store your eggs. Some people put them in the fridge, others do not. But what is the right method to keep eggs fresh for as long as possible?

Eggs in the fridge or not?

Research of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has shown that it is best to store eggs in a cooler place to limit the growth of bacteria. So yes, you should put your eggs in the fridge, preferably in a carton.

Store the eggs not too close to fish, cheese, onions or other things with a strong flavour and odour, though. Eggs will absorb the odours quite quickly, which makes them lose their authentic flavour. 

Did your egg get cracked, for example on the way home from the shop? Break it open completely then. After that, you can keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for two more days. However, only use it for warm egg preparations.

How long can I store eggs?

Eggs remain suitable for consumption for up to 28 days after the day of laying. 

How to check the freshness of the eggs?

The float test

Put your egg in a litre of water with 100 grams of salt. If the egg floats, it is no longer suitable for consumption. If it stays on the bottom, it is perfectly suited for eating.

The shake and listen test

Carefully shake the egg next to your ear. If you do not hear anything, the egg is still solid and therefore fresh. Do you hear the yolk and the white of egg sloshing slightly, then you are holding an older egg, which you should throw out.

The break test

Break the egg and look at the yolk and white of the egg. Is the egg white nice and clear, and is the yolk still solid and round, then the egg is still fresh. Older eggs have a watery egg white and a flatter yolk.