You might have noticed that egg prices are higher than ever. With the bird flu becoming more widespread recently, supplies of this everyday staple item are on the decline. Grocery shoppers are searching for ways to make the few eggs that they have last. But how long do eggs last in the fridge once purchased?
If you are hoping to stretch your egg supply while prices are steep, here are some tips as to how long you can store eggs, what to do with old eggs, and more — because nobody likes rotten eggs.
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Typically, eggs can last about three to five weeks in a refrigerator that is less than 40 degrees. Eggs are good until past the sell-by date, so no need to worry about the date on the box too much. Keep track of the three to five-week mark instead.
It is not recommended to freeze eggs in their shell to make them last longer. If you really want to freeze your eggs, crack them into a separate container instead. They will last up to a year this way in subzero temperatures.
How do I know if an egg has gone bad?
Although you can always check the sell-by date and give yourself one or two weeks past that date, the easiest and most reliable way to ensure that an egg has gone bad is to smell it. Rotten eggs have a very pungent and distinct smell. Crack the egg into a separate bowl and check it for discoloration or a weird scent.
An egg has also gone bad if its shell is slimy or powdery. If so, throw it out immediately. Rotten eggs can cause food poisoning, with many unfavorable side effects.
What can I do with older eggs?
Fresh eggs are ideal for frying and poaching, but you can do practically anything else with older eggs. Scramble them, make an omelette, bake a quiche. Older eggs are also good for baking, although you may not want to use them for meringues or other instances where you need to whip a lot of air into the egg whites.
What are some egg alternatives that I can use?
In case you don’t want to spend the money on expensive eggs and are looking for some substitutes while the bird flu is going on, check out this Spoon University article on egg alternatives for baking. Ingredients include mashed bananas, applesauce, expanded chia seeds, and more. Although you can’t really use these alternatives to make scrambled eggs or a sunny side up egg, egg substitutes can achieve the goal of having an egg in a cake or loaf: to add moisture and binding properties. Hang in there — eggs will surely make a comeback!