Questions and Answers – Storing Raw Eggs
Question:
I have just a quick concern. I get my eggs from a friend who raises hen and there is no date on the carton since they are not store bought, How long are the eggs good for before I should discard them. If eaten after that can they make you sick if they don’t seem to be spoiled? – Susie (8/25/05)
Answers:
Eggs are a perishable food and need to be refrigerated. Keep eggs in the original carton in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Throw away any eggs that are cracked, broken, or leaking.
It is best not to wash eggs before storing or using them. Washing is a routine part of commercial egg processing and the eggs do not need to be rewashed.
Fresh eggs in the shell:
Refrigerated raw shell eggs will keep without significant quality loss for about 4 to 5 weeks beyond the “sell by” date or about 3 weeks after you bring them home. Always purchase eggs before their “sell by” date.
A general rule to follow is that any egg that looks or smells odd should not be used. If an egg is bad you will know it – just smell the egg! Just crack each egg in a small bowl, smell it – your nose will tell you!
Read about the Sell Date of Eggs. Also learn about the codes on egg cartons.
Fresh egg whites – 2 to 4 days
Fresh egg yolks (unbroken and covered with water) – 2 to 4 days
Hard-cooked (hard boiled) eggs – 1 week
Deviled eggs– 2 to 3 days
Leftover egg dishes – 3 to 4 days