Can You Use Eggs Past Their Best By Date

Can You Use Eggs Past Their Best By Date?

I was in a rush one morning, and I didn’t have time to check the date on the eggs before I cracked them into a bowl. It wasn’t until I started whisking that I realized they were a few days past their “best by” date. I panicked. Could I still use them? Or would I get sick?

I decided to do some research, and I found out that it’s actually okay to use eggs past their best by date. The “best by” date is just a guideline, and it doesn’t mean that the eggs are unsafe to eat after that date. In fact, eggs can still be good for up to 4 weeks past their best by date, as long as they are stored properly.

How to Tell If Eggs Are Still Good

So, how can you tell if eggs are still good? There are a few simple tests you can do:

1. The float test: Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the egg in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it is fresh. If the egg sinks to the bottom but stands upright, it is still good to use but should be cooked thoroughly. If the egg floats, it is not fresh and should be discarded.
2. The sniff test: Crack the egg into a bowl and smell it. If the egg has no odor, it is safe to eat. If the egg has a sour or sulfuric smell, it is not fresh and should be discarded.
3. The visual inspection: Look at the egg yolk and egg white. The yolk should be firm and round, and the egg white should be clear and slightly viscous. If the yolk is flat or runny, or if the egg white is cloudy or watery, the egg is not fresh and should be discarded.

If you are still unsure whether or not an egg is good, it is always better to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Tips for Storing Eggs

To keep eggs fresh for as long as possible, store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Do not store eggs in the door of the refrigerator, as this is the warmest part of the fridge. Also, avoid washing eggs before storing them, as this can remove the protective layer on the shell and make the eggs more susceptible to bacteria.

Expert Advice

If you are concerned about eating eggs that are past their best by date, you can always cook them thoroughly. Cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit will kill any bacteria that may be present.

Here are some additional tips from experts:

• Buy eggs from a reputable source.
• Store eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• Do not wash eggs before storing them.
• Use eggs within 4 weeks of their best by date.
• Cook eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

FAQ

1. Q: Can I eat eggs that are past their best by date?

   A: Yes, you can eat eggs that are past their best by date, as long as they are stored properly and show no signs of spoilage.

2. Q: How long can I store eggs past their best by date?

   A: Eggs can be stored for up to 4 weeks past their best by date, as long as they are stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

3. Q: How can I tell if eggs are still good?

   A: You can tell if eggs are still good by performing the float test, the sniff test, and the visual inspection.

4. Q: What is the best way to store eggs?

   A: Store eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Do not store eggs in the door of the refrigerator.

5. Q: Should I wash eggs before storing them?

   A: No, do not wash eggs before storing them. Washing eggs can remove the protective layer on the shell and make the eggs more susceptible to bacteria.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Eggs are a nutritious and versatile food that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Just be sure to store them properly and use them within 4 weeks of their best by date.

Are you interested in learning more about eggs? If so, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer your questions.

Image: www.pinterest.com


Image: www.pinterest.com

Egg Dishes | Interesting food recipes, Food info, Food infographic Sep 9, 2023The Verdict. As long as the eggs have been properly stored at 40°F or below, they are safe to eat past the expiration date marked on the carton—usually three to five weeks from the day you place them in the refrigerator. Of course, when in doubt, do not eat the eggs and compost them instead. Voices. Most Recent.