Chicken eggs are one of the most versatile and commonly used ingredients in cooking. Their rich flavor and binding properties make them essential for baking, while their high protein content makes them a nutritious addition to any diet. However, like any perishable food, proper storage is key to maximizing their shelf life. So how long do eggs last after being laid?
Factors That Impact Egg Freshness
Several factors impact how long eggs will stay fresh
Egg Temperature
Temperature is one of the biggest factors. Eggs should always be stored refrigerated at 40°F or below. At this temperature, eggs can last 3-5 weeks from their pack date. Room temperature storage dramatically reduces shelf life to just 2-4 days.
Egg Age
The age of an egg when purchased also impacts longevity Very fresh eggs will last longer than eggs that have been sitting on the shelf for weeks. Checking the pack date can give you a rough idea of age.
Egg Cleaning
Washing eggs removes their protective outer bloom, leaving pores vulnerable to bacteria. Unwashed eggs kept at room temp can last 4 weeks. Washed eggs should always be refrigerated.
Egg Quality
Higher quality eggs from hens on a nutritious diet with less stress will have thicker shells and internal membranes for better bacteria blocking. Commercial factory eggs tend to have thinner shells and poorer longevity.
Storage Method
Store eggs pointy side down in their original carton inside the fridge. The carton helps block light and air flow while retaining moisture. Storing in the fridge door exposes eggs to warmer inconsistent temps.
How to Tell If Eggs Are Still Good
Because freshness diminishes over time, you may be wondering if your eggs are still OK to eat. Here are some ways to check:
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Float Test: Place eggs in cold water. Fresh eggs sink. Eggs floating to the top are older with more air inside and should be discarded.
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Sniff Test: Crack eggs individually into a bowl and smell before mixing. If it has a strong sulfur or rotten odor, toss it.
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Visual Inspection: Open cracked eggs look for discoloration, sliminess, or mold. Signs of bacteria mean the egg is spoiled.
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Cook Test: If egg still smells fine when cracked, cook a small portion. Discard if the texture is overly runny or unpleasant.
How Long Do Eggs Last In Different Settings?
Below are some general guidelines on how long eggs will last in various scenarios:
- Fresh, unwashed eggs at room temperature: 2-4 weeks
- Fresh, washed eggs in refrigerator: 3-5 weeks from pack date
- Unwashed eggs already at room temp then refrigerated: 1 week
- Hard boiled eggs refrigerated in shell: 1 week
- Hard boiled eggs refrigerated peeled: 3-5 days
- Raw yolks refrigerated: 2-4 days
- Raw whites refrigerated: 4-5 days
- Fried eggs refrigerated: 3-4 days
- Scrambled eggs refrigerated: 3-4 days
- Quiche or frittata refrigerated: 3-4 days
Remember, these timelines are for maximum quality. Eggs that have been in the fridge longer are still safe to eat as long as they pass the float and sniff tests. The main issue is degraded texture and flavor.
Tips for Maximizing Egg Longevity
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Purchase eggs from a local farm or high-quality market if possible for peak freshness.
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Check the pack date on cartons and choose the newest.
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Keep eggs refrigerated immediately at 40°F or below.
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Store eggs in their carton instead of a fridge bin.
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Use older eggs first before newer batches.
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Rinse or wipe dirty eggs instead of fully washing.
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Cook and consume eggs within 3-5 weeks for best flavor and texture.
Freezing Eggs for Even Longer Storage
Cracking and freezing eggs lets you preserve them for up to a year. However, frozen eggs are best for cooking purposes, not eating raw or fried. Here’s a quick guide:
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Crack eggs into freezer trays or ice cube molds. Cover with cling wrap.
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Freeze 1 day. Pop frozen egg cubes into sealed freezer bags.
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Thaw cubes in fridge before using. Use within 1 year.
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Label bags with number of egg cubes and dates frozen.
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Avoid refreezing thawed eggs.
How Long Do Free Range Eggs Last?
If you keep your eggs in the fridge, they can last six months or more if stored in a sealed container. Over time, the eggs may get runnier, but they are still good to eat. You can always write the date the eggs were laid on the container to help you keep track.
If you really need to store eggs for longer, you can freeze them, but you will need to separate the whites and yolks and freeze each separately. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will not be the same after freezing, so you may want to use frozen yolks and whites in recipes instead.
When you buy eggs in a grocery store, there is a “best before” date printed on the carton, so you know when the eggs are fresh. If you are getting eggs from your own chickens, there is no handy date. You may forget when a certain egg was laid or find that you missed a few eggs if your hens have been laying in a secret spot.
How Long Can Fresh Eggs Stay Unrefrigerated?
Before considering how long your fresh eggs will stay good for outside the fridge, you’ll need to decide whether you want to wash them. Some people prefer to give them a quick clean, while others leave them alone until it’s time to cook. If you decide not to wash your eggs, make sure your chickens are laying on fresh straw.
The debate over cleaning eggs is important because it can impact how long fresh eggs can be left out. Eggs are laid with a thin membrane on the outside, which protects the porous shell from bacteria. When you wash your egg in water, you remove this layer, known as an egg bloom, which means there is one less layer of protection.
If you do need to clean your egg, you can dab it dry to preserve the bloom. With that layer intact, you can store the egg at room temperature. If you wash away the bloom, it is safest to put the eggs in a refrigerator.
Fresh eggs can stay unrefrigerated for a month or more if they have their bloom. The eggs you get when shopping in markets are usually at least that old.
How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last? | 2 Minute Quick Tip
FAQ
How long do backyard chicken eggs last?
Freshly laid, unwashed backyard chicken eggs can last for about 2-3 weeks at room temperature and up to 3 months in the refrigerator.
Can I eat eggs 2 months old?
Fresh eggs can be kept for 3–5 weeks in the fridge or about 1 year in the freezer.
How long can eggs last on the counter?
What happens if you don’t wash farm fresh eggs?
Unwashed farm fresh eggs can harbor bacteria on the shell, potentially contaminating your hands, cooking surfaces, and the egg itself when cracked.