There is constant debate about whether eggs should be kept in the fridge or the cupboard, but food safety experts have a clear answer. Proper storage can make a big difference to both food safety and shelf life, especially as households try to cut waste and rising grocery bills.
How should I store eggs?
Food Standards Scotland, Scotland's public-sector food body, advises that eggs should be stored in "a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge." It also urges people to "store eggs away from other foods" such as in an "egg tray, if you have one, because this helps to keep eggs separate."
The body reminds consumers to "look out for the best before date on the egg" as it is easy to pick up an egg that could be out of date. The date is printed on the box as well as stamped on the egg.
For those who cook or bake with eggs, it cautions: "Eat dishes containing eggs as soon as possible after you’ve prepared them. If you’re not planning to eat them straight away, cool them quickly and then keep them in the fridge and eat within 2 days."
A hard-boiled egg can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, whether left in its shell or peeled. If you need to freeze whole eggs, whisk them until fully combined, then pour them into tightly sealed freezer-safe containers.
Are eggs good for me?
Health experts at Harvard note that eggs contain healthy vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients, including the nutrient choline (good for the brain and nerves, especially important for pregnant women), the minerals phosphorus, calcium, and potassium, the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin (good for the eyes), and vitamins A, B, and D.
Boasting around 6 grams of protein for a large egg, the health experts add: "In addition to being relatively low in calories and providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients, the protein in eggs can also help you feel fuller for longer by increasing the production of hormones that signal that you've eaten enough. Eating protein also reduces levels of ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry."
Do I need to worry about cholesterol?
Although egg yolks contain cholesterol, most cholesterol is produced by the liver. Harvard Health explain: "While egg yolks do contain cholesterol, we now know that most of the cholesterol in the body is made by the liver. That means our cholesterol levels aren't greatly affected when we eat foods, like eggs, that contain cholesterol. Instead, the liver is prompted to make cholesterol (which can increase risk of cardiovascular disease) based on the amount of saturated fat and trans fat in our diets. Eggs contain only a small amount of saturated fat - about 1.5 grams per egg - and no trans fats."
