Ah, the incredible, edible egg! If you think about it, there's a very short list of ingredients in the common household kitchen that are essential in both cooking and baking, while also being a meal on their own. You can poach them, hard-boil them, or spend hours just naming all the egg recipes there are!
And while the list of different types of eggs seems to be getting larger (and that's just talking about the standard chicken egg), one universal question remains: Do eggs need to be refrigerated? The short answer is yes, but it isn't as straightforward as it seems. Because, you see, it depends on where you are and how they are processed.
The main reason behind the debate is the risk of salmonella and other bacteria that may develop, which could cause gastrointestinal issues that are um, shall we say, not pleasant to deal with. So, it is a serious concern. And it's worth cracking the code to find out if you can leave eggs on the counter or if they need to be refrigerated and/or how long you can leave them out.
Do Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?
If you live in the United States, fresh eggs should be refrigerated. That is because the FDA dictates that all USDA-grade eggs be washed and sanitized before purchase. And though it seems counterintuitive (they're washed, therefore they're clean, right?), the process actually strips a protective layer off the shells. So, they need to be refrigerated to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Now, if you're in France, let's say, you may see eggs sold at room temperature. Several countries do not require eggs to be washed before purchase, which is why they are sold outside of refrigeration. But if you'e in the good ol' USA, follow the grocery store's lead and refrigerate your eggs under 40 degrees, even if they are pasteurized. Bonus: They will have a longer shelf life that way, too!
How Long Can Eggs Sit Out?
Maybe you got distracted when you got home and your groceries sat on the counter a little longer than you expected. Or maybe you purposely want room temperature eggs―there are a lot of baking recipes that suggest all ingredients should be the same temperature for best results. So what do the experts say? According to the USDA, eggs can safely be left at room temperature for up to two hours.
How to Store Eggs the Right Way
When you get home, check for any noticeable cracks and discard any eggs that may be damaged before placing them in the refrigerator. While you can get a pretty egg dish or use the plastic slots that came with your fridge, you don't need to. Storing them in their carton is ideal so you reference the expiration date. (You can also use the float test to determine freshness if you prefer to chuck the carton.)
Experts will tell you to store eggs in the coldest part of your fridge, so not in the door where many of us instinctively want to place them. But, it's still perfectly safe to pop in them in that door container, especially if you live in a household where no one leaves the fridge door open too long.
