Did you know storing eggs in the fridge door can impact their freshness? Discover the surprising reasons why you should avoid it.
Many people store eggs in the refrigerator door without a second thought.
It seems convenient, as most fridge designs include a special compartment for eggs.
However, food experts say that this is not the best place for them.
In fact, keeping eggs in the fridge door can lead to spoilage and other problems.
Why we should never store eggs in the fridge door?
The refrigerator door is one of the warmest places in the fridge.
This is because it is affected by the outside temperature every time the door is opened.
When you open the door, the temperature inside the fridge rises for a short time. This fluctuation can be harmful to eggs.
Vlatka Lake, a food preservation expert, explains that temperature changes can encourage bacteria to grow on the eggs.
Additionally, the constant movement in the door can shake the eggs.
This shaking can crack the eggshells and reduce the quality of the eggs over time.
If an eggshell cracks, it may allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of contamination.
Experts recommend on the matter
Dr. Ta Tung Duy, a physician from the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, agrees with this assessment.
He points out that many people do not realize how much the temperature changes in the refrigerator door.
He emphasizes that eggs can spoil faster in this area because of the bacteria growth due to frequent temperature shifts.
Experts recommend storing eggs in the main part of the refrigerator instead.
This area tends to maintain a consistent temperature, which is better for keeping eggs fresh.
The ideal temperature for storing eggs is below 20°C (68°F).
The best way to store eggs
To keep eggs fresh for as long as possible, store them in their original carton or in a dedicated container with a lid.
The carton helps protect the eggs from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
It also helps keep the eggs safe from light, which can cause them to spoil faster.
Placing the egg carton in the middle or back of the refrigerator is ideal.
These areas usually have a more stable temperature compared to the door.
Eggs stored this way can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 weeks.
Refrigerated eggs stay fresh longer than at room temperature.
While storing eggs in the refrigerator is the best option, it is also important to note that keeping eggs at room temperature is not advisable for long periods.
Eggs stored at room temperature can lose quality after just a few days.
Studies show that fresh eggs can last for about 1 to 3 weeks if kept outside the fridge.
In contrast, eggs that are properly refrigerated can remain fresh for a much longer time.
Experts say that eggs can maintain their quality for at least twice as long when stored in the fridge compared to being left out.