Egg storage: Best practices for freshness and safety

To maintain the freshness and quality of eggs, experts recommend specific storage techniques. According to guidelines from the USDA and FDA, eggs should be kept in their original carton within the refrigerator. The carton serves several purposes: it protects the porous shells from absorbing odors from other foods, prevents physical damage, and allows for easy tracking of expiration dates.

For optimal temperature stability, eggs should be placed on an internal refrigerator shelf rather than in the door, where temperature fluctuations are more frequent due to opening the appliance. Maintaining a temperature below 4 degrees Celsius is ideal.

Positioning is also critical for longevity and presentation. Eggs should be stored with the pointed end facing down. This orientation keeps the yolk centered and prevents the air cell, located at the rounded end, from being compressed. While the minimum shelf life is typically around 28 days from laying, properly stored eggs can remain edible longer if the shell remains intact. To check for freshness, consumers can perform a water test or inspect the yolk and white after cracking the egg.