Storing your eggs out on the counter isn't all it's cracked up to be. If you've ever wondered, "How long can eggs sit out?" we've got the answer.
We’ve all been there: You either forgot to put the egg carton back in the fridge after whipping up an amazing breakfast or got distracted while putting away your grocery store haul. Whichever way, your eggs ended up staying on the counter way longer than you intended. So the question is, how long can eggs sit out of the fridge, and is it still safe to use them?
Can You Leave Eggs Out of the Fridge?
Why It’s Not Safe
Unfortunately, eggs left out on the counter for too long need to be tossed. This is because eggs are susceptible to salmonella contamination due to how they’re processed before they get to the grocery store. Salmonella is also the reason you shouldn’t be eating raw eggs.
Eggs can be contaminated with salmonella before they leave the farm, either because the hen is infected (the bacteria doesn’t make them sick) or the egg comes into contact with dirt and fecal matter after it’s laid. Due to this risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires egg farmers to thoroughly wash, dry, sanitize and refrigerate eggs before they’re shipped off. This process removes any potential salmonella from the shell but does slightly thin it and removes some of its natural protection. So, the eggs are almost immediately refrigerated to prevent any new bacteria introduction, as salmonella flourishes in temperatures between 40-140°F.
Why Don’t Europeans Refrigerate Eggs?
Europeans do not refrigerate eggs, which comes as a surprise to many Americans. Food safety experts there took a slightly different approach: they require that eggs remain unwashed, which keeps the shell thicker and prevents the bacteria that causes salmonella from making its way into the egg.
How Long Can Eggs Sit Out of the Fridge?
Once the eggs have been refrigerated, letting them sit unrefrigerated is a big no-no. Transferring eggs from your fridge to the kitchen counter can cause condensation to form on the eggshell. Water and warm temperatures are a breeding ground for salmonella, meaning the water on the eggshell exposes the egg to contamination. Even if the room-temperature eggs don’t have condensation on them, bacteria can still contaminate them through the thinned shell.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), refrigerated eggs should be left out for no more than 2 hours. Ideally, though, we’d recommend not taking them out until you’re ready to use them! (Or, 30 minutes before you plan to bake with them, since it is importance to bake with room temperature eggs.)
The Best Way to Store Eggs
Keep your eggs on one of the refrigerator’s shelves—the door is one of the warmest parts of the fridge. When kept in a refrigerator at 40° or lower, eggs can last up to five weeks. After those five weeks, air will have seeped through the shell and started to break down the yolk and white.
How to Store Hard-Boiled Eggs
If you’ve already boiled your eggs, you can store them in the fridge in a covered container. If you’ve peeled the shell off, you can add a damp paper towel to the container to keep them good longer. Stored this way, they should last about a week or so. If they start smelling off, it’s time to toss them!
How to Tell If Eggs Have Gone Bad
To check if too much air has penetrated your raw eggs, try the float test. Just drop your egg in a glass of water, and if it sinks to the bottom, it’s safe to use. If it floats, it shouldn’t be used. You can also give it a shake—if you can hear liquid swishing around, the yolk is probably old and watery, and you should discard the egg. This method isn’t as reliable as the float test, but it’s worth a shot.
If you crack the egg open and it smells gassy or sulphuric, get rid of it. Eggs usually have a neutral odor, and any change means it’s probably gone bad.
The symptoms of salmonella aren’t worth the risk, so even if you think your eggs might be OK after some time on the counter, it’s better to be safe than sick.
Next up: Is it safe to eat eggs with bumps on them?
FAQs
If eggs are left unwashed with the bloom intact, you can place them on your kitchen counter. Unwashed, room temperature eggs should keep for about two weeks. If you aren't planning to eat your eggs for a while, we recommend refrigerating them.
Is it OK to store eggs at room temperature? ›
Storing eggs at room temperature isn't advised in the United States because of Salmonella and other pathogens. When we asked Clark whether it's safe to keep store-bought eggs at room temperature in the U.S., her answer was a clear "no."
Why do farm fresh eggs not have to be refrigerated? ›
You don't need to refrigerate farm fresh eggs. Eggs are laid with a near invisible coating called the "bloom" or "cuticle" on the shell. What is this? This coating helps keep air and bacteria out of the egg, keeping the egg fresher longer.
Can eggs be stored on the kitchen counter? ›
Why It's Not Safe. Unfortunately, eggs left out on the counter for too long need to be tossed. This is because eggs are susceptible to salmonella contamination due to how they're processed before they get to the grocery store.
Can eggs be unrefrigerated for 4 hours? ›
The rule of thumb? You can leave eggs on the counter about two hours at room temperature or one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees or hotter before you start to worry, per the Egg Safety Center. After two hours, you'd be safer to throw those eggs out and get a fresh dozen rather than chance it.
What happens if you don't refrigerate eggs? ›
And salmonella can spread quickly when eggs are left out at room temperature and not refrigerated. “A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the movement of bacteria into the egg and increasing the growth of bacteria,” the USDA states on its website.
Can you put eggs back in the fridge after room temperature? ›
Can You Put Room Temperature Eggs Back In The Fridge? If the eggs have been at room temperature (68-70 degrees), for less than 2 hours, you can put them back in the refrigerator. If they've been at a higher temperature than 70 degrees, you can put them back if they've been out less than 1 hour.
Is it better to refrigerate eggs or leave them out? ›
Storing your eggs in the fridge is the best way to keep bacteria under control. As an added bonus, it also keeps eggs fresher for much longer than storing them at room temperature.
Why do American eggs have to be refrigerated? ›
The answer has to do with bacteria: Salmonella. In the United States, it's more than a food safety recommendation that eggs be refrigerated – it's the law. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined that the best way to fight Salmonella contamination is by sanitizing the eggs before they reach the consumer.
How do you know if an egg is bad? ›
The most accurate way of testing whether your eggs have gone bad is to crack them open. If the yolk or white has any discoloration, the egg is no good. Discoloration is an indication of bacterial growth. If your eggs look good but have an off or sulfuric smell to them, they are bad.
No. It's not necessary or recommended for consumers to wash commercially packaged eggs, and it may actually increase the risk of contamination because the wash water can be "sucked" into the egg through the pores in the shell. When the chicken lays the egg, a protective coating is put on the outside by the hen.
Are brown eggs different than white eggs? ›
The eggshell colour depends on the breed of the hen. Generally speaking, white shell eggs come from hens with white feathers, while brown shell eggs are produced by hens with brown feathers. Nutritionally, both brown and white eggs are identical unless the feed has been enhanced for speciality eggs such as Omega-3.
Where should you not store eggs? ›
Eggs should not be stored on the refrigerator door, but in the main body of the refrigerator to ensure that they keep a consistent and cool temperature. Leftover raw egg whites and yolks should be put in airtight containers and stored in the refrigerator immediately.
How long can butter be left out? ›
According to the USDA, butter is safe at room temperature. But if it's left out for several days at room temperature, it can turn rancid causing off flavors. The USDA does not recommend leaving it out more than one to two days.
Can you eat eggs 3 months old? ›
Eggs have an average shelf life of 3–5 weeks. With proper storage, most eggs are still safe to eat after 5 weeks, though their quality and freshness will likely begin to decline.
How do you store raw eggs without refrigeration? ›
He says the best way to preserve raw eggs is to store them in a solution of slaked lime (you can find it at a building supply store) and water, which, in his test, had a 100 percent success rate after eight months. That same Genesee Farmer article claimed this method could preserve eggs for six years or longer.
Are cooked eggs OK to eat if left out overnight? ›
Never leave cooked eggs or egg dishes out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40° F and 140° F).
Is the egg float test accurate? ›
An egg can sink and still be bad, while an egg that floats may still be fine to eat (2). Checking whether an egg sinks or floats is a popular way to check how fresh it is. However, it can't tell you if an egg has gone bad.
Do eggs go bad if the fridge turns off? ›
As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.
Why are eggs not refrigerated in Europe? ›
Without the cuticle, eggs must be refrigerated to combat bacterial infection from inside. In Europe, it's illegal to wash eggs and instead, farms vaccinate chickens against salmonella. With the cuticle intact, refrigeration could cause mildew growth and contamination.
Eggs are required to be refrigerated at 45˚ or lower for safety and optimal freshness. During a power outage, follow these guidelines to keep eggs safe. Make sure to have an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator or freezer.
Do some countries not refrigerate eggs? ›
If you've been to a country other than the USA, you might have! Most countries do not store their eggs in refrigerators. Instead, they leave them out at room temperature. This might seem like a food safety hazard, but both methods are safe.
How can you tell if raw eggs are bad? ›
Simply fill a bowl with cold tap water and place your eggs in it. If they sink to the bottom and lay flat on one side, they are fresh and good to eat. A bad egg will float because of the large air cell that forms at its base. Any floating eggs should be thrown out.
How do you know if your eggs have salmonella? ›
You can't tell if an egg has salmonella just by looking at it. The bacteria can be present inside an egg as well as on the shell. Cooking food thoroughly can kill salmonella. Be aware that runny, poached, or soft eggs aren't fully cooked — even if they are delicious.
How long can a chicken sit on an egg before it goes bad? ›
With the egg bloom gone, the egg is susceptible to general quality loss and increased bacterial influx. A cold egg can only be left out for 2 hours before facilitating unhealthy bacterial growth.
Can you eat eggs 2 months out of date? ›
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eggs can be sold for up to 30 days after they were packaged. So when your eggs' expiration date has passed, they could be two months old—and still more than likely safe to eat.
How do you crack an egg perfectly every time? ›
Instructions
- Using a clean, flat surface, such as your kitchen counter, grasp the egg in your hand and in one swift decisive motion tap the egg once against it.
- Use your thumbs to separate the egg shell where it's cracked and tip the egg into a bowl or ramekin.
Dirty shells contaminate clean cooking areas, kitchen utensils, food, or hands. Eggs have small pores which harmful bacteria can enter. Even shells that appear clean can carry germs. Even so, eggs do not need to be washed.
How do you peel an egg without popping it? ›
Let the eggs sit in the cold water for 15 minutes to cool (you can add a few ice cubes to make them cold if using immediately), or refrigerate overnight. Peel under cool running water. Whether you peel them right out of the pan or the next day doesn't matter. Either way, they peel easily.
Are Eggland's Best eggs better? ›
They're packed with nutrients.
And although all eggs are nutritious, Eggland's Best are even more so: They contain 10 times more vitamin E, six times more vitamin D, more than twice as much vitamin B12 and 38 percent more lutein than ordinary eggs. Plus, they have double the amount of omega-3s.
Overall, shorter and lower-heat cooking methods cause less cholesterol oxidation and help retain most of the egg's nutrients. For this reason, poached and boiled (either hard or soft) eggs may be the healthiest to eat. These cooking methods also don't add any unnecessary calories.
What are the healthiest eggs to eat? ›
Pasture-raised eggs (also known as pastured eggs) are by far the best eggs to buy, but make sure you at least get free range. The grade of eggs refers to the actual quality of an egg's shell, whites, and yolk. From best to worst, the grades are Grade AA, Grade A, and Grade B.
How can you tell if an egg is bad? ›
Simply fill a bowl with cold tap water and place your eggs in it. If they sink to the bottom and lay flat on one side, they are fresh and good to eat. A bad egg will float because of the large air cell that forms at its base. Any floating eggs should be thrown out.
How can you tell if an egg is still good? ›
The water test for egg freshness
First, fill a bowl or glass with about four inches of cold water and gently place your egg(s) inside. Very fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay on their sides. If an egg stays at the bottom but stands on its small end, it's still acceptable to eat; just not quite as fresh.
Why do American eggs need to be refrigerated? ›
The answer has to do with bacteria: Salmonella. In the United States, it's more than a food safety recommendation that eggs be refrigerated – it's the law. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined that the best way to fight Salmonella contamination is by sanitizing the eggs before they reach the consumer.
How long should I let shipped eggs sit? ›
Put them big end up and pointy egg down in an egg carton and let them rest for 12-24 hrs. This is for several reasons. They need to temperature acclimate. We recommend storing them in a 60-65degree area.
Do eggs have to be refrigerated? ›
In the United States, fresh, commercially produced eggs need to be refrigerated to minimize your risk of food poisoning. However, in many countries in Europe and around the world, it's fine to keep eggs at room temperature for a few weeks.
What are the 6 ways to check the freshness of eggs? ›
Always test your eggs for freshness using one of these failsafe methods:
- Check the 'use by' date on the carton. Easy and important. ...
- Do the float test. Place an egg in a bowl of water. ...
- Crack the egg into a bowl. This is one of the simplest ways to test for freshness. ...
- Crack an egg onto a flat plate.
A general rule, unwashed eggs will last around two weeks unrefrigerated and about three months or more in your refrigerator. If you're experiencing an egg boom, it's smart to refrigerate any unwashed fresh eggs you aren't planning to eat immediately.
How do you store eggs long term without refrigeration? ›
He says the best way to preserve raw eggs is to store them in a solution of slaked lime (you can find it at a building supply store) and water, which, in his test, had a 100 percent success rate after eight months. That same Genesee Farmer article claimed this method could preserve eggs for six years or longer.
When taking raw eggs or hard-cooked eggs on outings, leave them in their shells. Pack eggs, including cold dishes like deviled eggs, in an insulated bag or cooler with ice or freezer packs. Put the cooler in the shade and open as infrequently as possible to help keep these eggs at 40° F or lower.
How long after eggs are laid Do they get to grocery store? ›
The typical time from nest to table is about 25 days. That is well within what USDA recommends for fresh egg consumption and still leaves plenty of time for you to store in your refrigerator before eating.
Are all eggs washed before packaging? ›
When the chicken lays the egg, a protective coating is put on the outside by the hen. Government regulations require that the United States Department of Agriculture's-graded eggs be carefully washed and sanitized using only compounds meeting Food and Drug Administration's regulations for processing foods.
