How long does it take for eggs to spoil?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does it take for eggs to spoil” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of an egg. Moreover, we are going to discuss the best ways to distinguish an old egg from a fresh egg and the tips to store eggs properly in the fridge.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does it take for eggs to spoil?
So the egg lasts for a long time if stored appropriately. So eggs can last for about a few weeks without spoiling if stored properly in the fridge at or below 40°F. The refrigerated egg lasts for about 3-5 weeks easily according to USDA. If stored properly they can last even longer than this.
On the other hand, raw egg whites and raw egg yolks last for about 2-4 days. While talking about the cooked variants of egg, a cooked whole egg lasts for about a week while the eggnog lasts for 2-4 days in the refrigerator
What is the nutritional profile of an egg?
Eggs, whether cooked or raw, are extremely nutritious. They contain many essential nutrients that are required for the proper growth and functioning of the body.
Not only are they a rich source of protein but they also contain a lot of other important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. A medium-sized raw egg contains about 72 calories.
It contains about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. If we talk about its vitamin content, an egg contains vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, and vitamin B12. It also contains a variety of minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and folate. Moreover, the raw egg also contains choline that is a chemical that helps in stimulating brain activity.
Raw eggs also have zeaxanthin and lutein present in their formulation. Both of them are really good anti-oxidants and play an important role in improving eye health.
Thus an egg is a perfect food to eat that provides you with a lot of high-quality protein and good fats.
How to test the freshness of the egg?
There are a couple of methods by which you can differentiate between a fresh and an old egg.
Floatation method
Now this one is pretty simple. All you have to do is to fill a bowl with water and suspend your egg in it. If the eggs lay on the bottom of the bowl that means that they are fresh and you should go ahead in using them in making your favorite chocolate cake. But if the eggs remain suspended or floating in the water that means that they are really old. Now there is another option that your eggs do sink to the bottom of the bowl but they remain in an upright position, so it is the indication that the eggs are a few weeks old.
So the science behind this floatation test is that the eggshell is generally porous and the air can enter the egg through these pores. So the older the egg is the more will be the air content that has entered it. The air tends to make the egg lighter in weight therefore the older eggs float on the surface of the water rather than sinking.
Cracking egg
So for testing the freshness of the egg, break the egg into a plate and notice its appearance. If the egg white does not separate much from the bright orangish-yellow yolk then it means that your egg is fresh. In case that the gg white gets more separated from the yolk means that your egg is past its prime age.
Moreover, if the smell of the egg is intense it must be an old egg as the fresh eggs do not have much of a smell. If the egg is giving more sulphur like, putrid smell, then it is the indication that it has spoiled.
Last but not least the egg whites of old eggs will have a thinner consistency. Moreover, their egg yolks will also be flattened.
Other FAQs about Eggs which you may be interested in.
How long can scrambled eggs last in the refrigerator?
How long do pickled eggs last?
What will happen if you eat a spoiled egg?
Eating spoiled eggs can put you at the risk of many food-borne illnesses especially food poisoning. A spoiled egg can have bacteria like Salmonella in it and eating such an egg can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain. This condition can even worsen in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people.
What can you do with expired eggs?
No doubt that you should not eat expired eggs but that does not mean that you can’t use them for anything else. You can make a hair mask out of an old egg that will help to give a smooth and shiny touch to your hair. Moreover, you can use the eggshells as a fertilizer for your plants. Yeah! you heard me right. As the eggshells are rich in calcium and magnesium therefore you can add crushed eggshells to your plants.
Tips to store eggs properly in the fridge
- Refrigerate the eggs promptly at or below 40°F. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store your eggs at a lower temperature.
- You should store your eggs on the middle shelf of the fridge rather than the door as there are more temperature fluctuations at the door of the fridge.
- You should immediately get rid of an egg that has a crack on it.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does it take for eggs to spoil” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of an egg. Moreover, we discussed the best ways to distinguish an old egg from a fresh egg and the tips to store eggs properly in the fridge.
