How Long Do Eggs Last?
Fresh eggs keep for 3–5 weeks in the refrigerator. The printed date on the carton is usually the "sell by" date; eggs stay safe for 3–5 weeks from that date if stored properly.
Keep eggs in their original carton at the back of the fridge — not in the door rack, where the temperature fluctuates. The carton protects them from odours and moisture loss.
Do Eggs Need Refrigeration?
In most of the world, yes. Eggs are refrigerated from the farm in countries like the US and Japan, and once chilled they must stay chilled — condensation on a warm egg makes it a magnet for bacteria. At room temperature, eggs last only about 2 weeks and age as fast in one day as they would in a week in the fridge.
The Float Test: Is My Egg Still Fresh?
Place the egg in a glass of water:
- Sinks and lies flat: very fresh.
- Sinks but stands upright: still fine, but older — use soon.
- Floats: the air cell has grown large; the egg is likely spoiled. Discard it.
The float test is a useful guide, but always crack the egg and check the smell before use — a bad egg smells unmistakably sulphuric.
Can You Freeze Eggs?
Yes, for up to a year. Never freeze eggs in the shell — they crack. Whisk them first and freeze in a sealed container. Thawed eggs are best for baking and cooking, not for frying whole.