Eggs will last a lot longer if stored in one certain place (Image: Getty)
The age-old debate on whether stay fresher in the fridge or on the counter has been a topic of heated discussion, but culinary queen has settled the score.
The shelf life of eggs has sparked an ongoing transatlantic debate, with Brits typically opting for room temperature and favouring a more chilled environment.
In Britain, it’s a common sight to see eggs perched on a countertop, whereas across the pond in the US, refrigeration is the preferred method.
But Great British Bake Off icon and baking maestro has put an end to the controversy in her ”s Complete Cookbook,’ seemingly endorsing the American way.
Mary advises: “Store eggs in their box in the refrigerator (away from strong foods so that they do not absorb flavours and odours through their shells.)
Eggs should be kept in the fridge, according to Mary Berry (Image: Getty)
She also suggested: “If you place them pointed end down, the yolk will remain centred in the white. Always use them by their use-by date.”
Why you should keep eggs in the fridge
Storing eggs in the fridge is the optimal choice for prolonging freshness, as maintaining a consistent temperature of 4C or below extends their lifespan.
While it’s still acceptable to keep eggs on the countertop, ensuring they are kept cool and at a steady temperature is crucial for freshness.
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Keeping eggs in the fridge will extend their lifespan (Image: Getty)
Nevertheless, it’s important to store eggs on a fridge shelf and not in the door, as the fluctuating temperatures there can lead to spoilage.
Jenna Kelly, a specialist from Essential Food Hygiene UK, has advised storing eggs in the fridge to prevent temperature fluctuations, but warns against keeping them in the fridge door as it can accelerate spoilage and risk food poisoning due to constant temperature changes.
Jenna stated: “It is recommended that they are stored in a fridge as soon as possible avoiding any change in temperature as it can cause condensation on the shell which in turn can cause bacterial issues”
Can you freeze eggs to keep them fresh?
According to Mary, it is fine to store eggs in the freezer where they will last six months. However, it is usually recommended to use them after four months to make sure they are as fresh as possible.
In ”s Ultimate Cookbook’, she wrote: “Shelled raw eggs freeze very successfully, and can be stored for up to six months.”
She added: “If whole, whisk gently to mix the yolk and white; add a little salt to whole eggs and egg yolks for use in savoury food or sugar for use in sweet dishes (nothing needs to be added to whites).”
Make sure you check the label when buying eggs at the supermarket (Image: Getty)
To defrost eggs, Mary advises: “Thaw at room temperature. Egg-based dishes such as quiches, custards and mousses can also be frozen.”
How do you make sure you buy fresh eggs at the supermarket?
Mary recommends always checking the label when trying to find the freshest eggs possible. For the best-quality eggs, look for a red lion wearing a crown on British hen eggs, which signifies a food-safety mark.
When examining egg labels, one will always find a description of the farming method used, such as ‘free-range’, ‘barn’, ‘caged’ or ‘organic.’
Mary penned: “Whenever possible, opt for organic or free-range eggs: not only is this the most ethical choice but the higher welfare standards also produce tastier eggs.”
“Whichever you buy, choose the ones with the longest ‘use by’ date, and check that none are damaged or cracked.”