Store eggs in 'overlooked' place to keep them fresh and not watery
Eggs are a staple in most households, but the question of how to store them is a controversial one. A top chef has shared the best method to store eggs to keep them fresh for longer
The debate over egg storage remains divisive, with some favouring refrigerated eggs whilst others prefer keeping them at room temperature.
In America, eggs undergo washing and sanitisation processes that strip away their natural protective layer, making refrigeration essential. This doesn't apply to eggs sold in Britain, yet many Brits still champion chilled storage for extended freshness.
Dean Harper, chef at Harper Fine Dining, masterfully combines classical French methods with contemporary approaches, showcasing profound knowledge of culinary science and ingredient preservation. He emphasises that eggs "should definitely be stored in the fridge, but not just anywhere."
Dean said: "Warmer temperatures and frequent handling can speed up the decline of freshness-that's why it's said to treat your eggs gently. On the other hand, keeping them consistently cold and undisturbed slows this down, and this method's stuck with me since my early culinary days."
This explains why Dean chooses the fridge's cool environment, which should maintain temperatures between 3-5 degrees Celsius (37F to 40F), reports the Express.
The culinary specialist believes the best spot for egg storage lies within the main compartment of the fridge, rather than the door. He said: "Temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the door can cause the whites to break down faster. This is a tip I picked up ages ago, and it truly makes a difference."
Watery egg whites are often the result of the egg losing carbon dioxide and moisture, according to Dean.
He explained, "As an egg ages, it starts to lose moisture, and this affects the texture. Such changes can be subtle, but even a few days can affect your poached eggs."
It's not solely down to the fridge to keep eggs firm and fresh at home.
Dean noted that Fortnum & Mason always stores its eggs in cartons, stating, "That's key. The carton helps prevent the eggs from absorbing strong odours from other foods and shields them from light, which can break them down faster.
"What fascinates me is that sometimes, the simplest steps are often overlooked, yet they make all the difference in food quality."
British Lion Eggs experts also prefer simple egg cartons over quirky holders or even an egg shelf in the fridge.
The box safeguards the eggs and displays the best-before date. However, Sophie Trueman, UK&I Country Director for Too Good To Go, advises against using this as a strict rule for when to throw away eggs.
These dates indicate when the eggs will be at their peak freshness. Unlike 'Use by' or 'Expiry dates', which are related to safety, Best Before dates offer some leeway, Sophie pointed out.
You'll know if an egg has gone off when you crack it open. Fresh eggs should have a neutral, clean smell, so if you detect a sulphurous or unpleasant odour, it's best to bin the egg.
If the egg appears and smells normal, you can move on to a mini taste test. Whip up a small bit and give it a try before deciding to consume the entire egg.