Chicken eggs are a staple in many dishes. To ensure these meals are both delicious and safe for consumption, it’s essential to follow proper food storage guidelines. However, many Ukrainians are influenced by myths about eggs, often leading to improper storage practices. Learn how to keep your eggs fresh for the longest time possible.

How to Store Eggs Without a Refrigerator

Different countries have varying recommendations for how long and at what temperature eggs should be stored.

For instance, the official U.S. government website, Food&Drug, advises keeping fresh eggs for no longer than three weeks at a maximum temperature of +4°C. Hard-boiled eggs are recommended to be consumed within seven days.

In Ukraine, the standards aren't as strict. According to the national standard, fresh eggs can be stored at temperatures ranging from 0°C to 20°C for up to seven days. If not sold within this time frame, they are downgraded to the "table" category and can be stored for up to 25 days.

This difference between American and Ukrainian standards stems from the fact that in the U.S., eggs are washed before reaching stores, which removes the protective coating on the shell, thus reducing their shelf life. If you wash your eggs, they should be stored in the refrigerator at a low temperature afterward.

In general, raw eggs can be stored either at room temperature or in the fridge. Just be sure not to wash them in advance or allow any cracks in the shell.

If you need to keep your eggs as fresh as possible—say, for baby food—it's best to store them in their original packaging within the refrigerator.

Here's another tip for extending their freshness: rather than placing them on the refrigerator door, store them on an inner shelf.

Should Eggs Be Stored Pointy-End Up or Down?

While this might seem like a trivial question, it actually makes a difference. Eggs should be stored with the pointy end facing downwards. This keeps the yolk centered and prevents the air pocket from pressing on it, which helps prolong the eggs' shelf life.

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