FAQS
What is the best way to store eggs?
The easiest way to maintain eggs at high quality is to store them in their original carton in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchase. Cartons reduce water loss and protect flavours from other foods being absorbed into the eggs. Storing eggs loose, or in specially designed sections located on refrigerator doors is not recommended as this also exposes eggs to a greater risk of damage.
Did you know a single eggshell might have as many as 17,000 tiny pores over its surface? Through them, the egg can absorb flavours and odours. Storing them in their cartons helps keep them fresh.
How long do eggs last?
Fresh shell eggs can be kept refrigerated in their carton for 6 weeks from the date of pack. It is best to put eggs in the fridge as soon as you get them home, remember an egg ages 7 times quicker when left on the bench than when it is properly stored in the fridge. So to enjoy you fresh eggs for longer, please store them in the fridge.
How can I tell if an egg is still fresh?
A quick test for freshness is to check if the raw egg in the shell sinks in a basin of water. Fresh eggs stay at the bottom of the bowl while older eggs float because of the large air cell that forms in its base.
How do I check whether an egg is boiled or raw?
To tell if an egg is raw or hard-boiled, spin it! If the egg spins easily, it is hard-boiled but if it wobbles, it is raw.
I’ve had a carton of eggs in my fridge for a few weeks. Can I still use them?
· You can use your oldest eggs for baking cakes, quiches and frittatas.Fresh eggs are ideal for poaching and frying because they may not hold their shape. Older eggs can be useful for hard-boiling, scrambling, and making omelettes.
· If hard-boiling, it is best to use eggs a few days old. The fresher the egg, the more likely the white will stick to the shell
How can I cook café-style poached eggs?
Poached eggs are a perennial breakfast favourite. But cooking them just right can be tricky. Here’s our best advice.
• Take your freshest eggs out of the fridge (they should be cold)
• Bring at least 5cm of water to the boil, then reduce the temperature to the lowest simmering point possible.
• Add one teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the boiling water.
• Break the egg into a small bowl or saucer.
• Either create a whirlpool or wait for all the tiny bubbles of the side of the pan to disappear before very gently sliding the egg into the water.
• Cook the egg for about 3-4 minutes.
• Lift the egg out with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
What are some food safety tips when it comes to storing eggs?
Like all perishable foods, eggs need to be handled carefully. Follow these suggestions to ensure that you handle and prepare eggs properly:
• Always buy shell eggs that are clean and keep them refrigerated at home
• When storing eggs in the refrigerator, keep eggs in the carton and at a reasonable distance from other strongly flavoured / smelling foods items
• For all perishable foods allow no more than two hours at room temperature for preparation and serving
• Eggs should be cooked until the white is completely firm and the yolk begins to thicken
• For best quality, use fresh eggs within the 'Best Before' date as stated on the carton. Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, cookware, and counter-tops with hot, soapy water after preparing raw animal products, including eggs.
Are eggs good for you?
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse providing 11 different vitamins and minerals, high quality protein, healthy fats (including omegas-3) and important antioxidants. Along with their nutritional value, eggs are tasty, convenient and good value for money making them an excellent part of a well balanced, healthy diet. For more information about eggs and nutrition click here.
I tend to only eat eggs at breakfast. How can I use eggs in other meals?
Of course, eggs make more than just great breakfasts. Try these 5 ideas for size.
1. Boil an egg and pack it for lunch with wholegrain bread, or crispbread and salad.
2. Scramble eggs with grated or finely chopped vegetables and serve with ham, tomato and mushrooms for a great Sunday morning ‘pick me up.’
3. Mash boiled egg with canned salmon and ricotta cheese for a high calcium sandwich filling or as a topping for wholegrain crackers.
4. Mix a beaten egg with grated reduced fat cheese, cracked pepper and parsley and stir through cooked wholemeal pasta for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. Serve with a green side salad.
5. Make healthy fried rice by mixing cooked, chopped vegetables, ham and chopped boiled egg with cooked rice. Stir fry in sesame oil, add a splash of soy sauce and cook until heated through.