What is the shelf life of chicken eggs and what does it depend on?
The storage time for eggs is established by a special GOST. The shelf life of a product is also affected by where it is stored. At the same time, the shelf life of raw, boiled and fried eggs differs significantly.
There are ways to increase the shelf life of this type of product. Also, a number of external signs indicate the beginning of spoilage of yolks and whites.
We’ll talk about the shelf life and storage conditions of chicken eggs in the article.
Content
General rules and storage conditions according to GOST
Storage features are recorded in GOST 31654-2012. Clause 5.4.2 states that this product is packaged separately depending on the category and type. It should only be stored in clean containers. It must not be damaged.
Clause 8.2.1 lists the basic storage conditions for the product. Among them:
- temperature range within 0-20°C;
- air humidity ranges from 85% to 88%.
If the specified conditions are met, dietary eggs can be stored for up to 7 days. The shelf life of canteens is increased to 25 days. Washed ones are stored the shortest under these conditions - no more than 12 days.
According to GOST 31654-2012, it is allowed to keep the product at negative temperatures (from -2°C to 0°C). If the air humidity is in the range of 85-88%, then it is suitable for consumption within 90 days. Read about the shelf life of dietary eggs Here.
How many days are stored raw - in shell and without it?
The expiration date depends on the storage location. It plays a role whether the eggs are stored in the shell or without it.
In a refrigerator
The optimal temperature for storage is 0-6°C. This is the temperature in the main compartment of refrigerators.
With this mode, raw eggs with shells can be stored for 25 days. This applies to table eggs. Dietary products are stored in the casing under these conditions for a maximum of one week..
Egg whites with yolks without shells are not stored well. They can last no more than 6 hours in the refrigerator. How long do raw eggs without shells (or broken) last in the refrigerator? Here.
In room conditions
Raw table eggs in the shell can be stored at room temperature for no more than 25 days. In this case, the temperature in the room should not exceed 20°C. Raw dietary products in shell can be stored at a temperature of 17-20°C for no more than 7 days.
Without a natural shell, raw whites and yolks can last less than an hour at room temperature. It is recommended to consume them within 20-30 minutes.
How long can boiled food be stored?
Boiled eggs in the shell can be kept in the refrigerator for four days. Without shells, they can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days. The shelf life of cooked and chopped whites and yolks is even shorter. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of one day.
Whites and yolks boiled soft-boiled and in a bag have a short shelf life. You can keep them in the shell in the refrigerator for about 12 hours..
If the egg has been soft-boiled and shelled, then it can be kept at room temperature for no more than 4 hours. Soft-boiled whites and yolks in the shell are stored at room temperature for no more than 20 hours. Read about storing boiled eggs in the refrigerator here, without shell - Here, at room temperature - here.
Fried
Frying the product ensures its heat treatment, but at the same time it is not stored for long.
Fried eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 6 hours.. It is recommended to keep fried whites and yolks at room temperature for no more than three hours.
If the room temperature is above 20°C, then they must be consumed within one hour. Read more here.
Homemade
Eggs from domestic chickens have a longer shelf life. Since high-quality feed is used to feed poultry, the quality of the product remains at a high level for a longer time. Homemade eggs can last up to 30 days in the refrigerator.
At room temperature, raw homemade eggs can last for 10 days. If you keep them in a cool place, the shelf life can be extended to 14 days. Without shells, they lie at room temperature for no more than 2 days.. Details - in this article.
In warehouses
The product must be stored in warehouses in accordance with the requirements of GOST 31654-2012. It must be marked before storage. It is packaged in a special cellular container.
At the same time, the packaging must be safe for food. It can only be stored in undamaged containers. The packaging itself must be dry, there should be no odors or dirt inside it.
The temperature in the room should not exceed 20°C. The minimum temperature should be -2°C. Optimal humidity is ensured in the warehouse. It should be no less than 85% and no more than 88%.
How to extend the shelf life of a product?
Shelf life of eggs can be extended if you follow a number of recommendations:
- keep them in the main compartment of the refrigerator;
- if they are stored at room temperature, then they must be kept in a dry package with salt poured inside;
- lubricate their shells with vegetable oil;
- store them in a cool place where there is no access to light.
The shelf life of yolks and whites can be extended by packaging. The product lasts the longest if wrapped in paper.
Signs of damage
Spoiled raw whites and yolks instantly float after placing them in a glass of water. This product is at least 3 weeks old. Fresh yolks and whites immediately sink when dropped into water.
In spoiled eggs, air accumulates in the shell. The air sac is visible during their candling. If the white and yolk begin to deteriorate, they develop a specific smell of hydrogen sulfide. It is easy to catch.
Darkening of the protein also indicates its deterioration. If cooked yolks become weathered, this indicates that they are not fresh.
Useful tips
To extend the shelf life of yolks and whites It is recommended to comply with the following conditions:
- Store them tightly covered in paper or plastic containers.
- Do not keep them with other foods that have a specific smell.
- Try to store them at low air temperatures (from 0°C to 4°C).
- Do not shake or wash with water before storing them.
- Wrap them in foil.
Conclusion
A special storage mode is provided for chicken eggs. It is established by GOST 31654-2012. At the same time, individual expiration dates have been established for different types of eggs. Canteens are stored the longest, dietary ones the least.
It is important to maintain temperature conditions in the range of 0-20°C. Air humidity matters. It should be within 85-88%. Storing food in a refrigerator or cool cellar increases the shelf life of food.
