How long do boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?
At low temperatures above zero, food is stored much longer. Knowing how long boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator, you will be able to avoid spoilage and eat them on time. If the shell is not damaged, the product will keep for 2 weeks. If the integrity of the shell is compromised, the shelf life is reduced to several days.
How long do boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?
If your family often eats boiled eggs, it’s easier to immediately boil them in large quantities. The product can be consumed as an independent dish, used as a filling for pies, prepared zrazy, added to vegetable soup and okroshka. Eggs are often stuffed and made into a pate.
However, the issue of safety remains important. After boiling, eggs cannot be stored at room temperature for a long time; the shelf life in such conditions is only 1-2 days. But since all homes today have refrigerators, the safety of any food can be ensured without problems.
What affects the shelf life of boiled eggs?
The shelf life of boiled eggs directly depends on their initial freshness. Before purchasing, be sure to check the release date label. If you have a choice, it is better to buy eggs that went on sale no more than a week ago. The first 7 days the product is considered dietary. Then the egg goes into the “table” category and can be stored for up to 25 days.
By the way, it is better to choose the storage place not the door, but the shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is always stable. In order for the product to remain safe, it must be stored in its raw form at a temperature no higher than plus 6° C. Under such conditions, the dangerous pathogen of salmonellosis cannot develop. The disease is usually severe, especially in children.
A boiled egg can last a long time if the shell does not crack during the cooking process. Damage to the shell significantly reduces shelf life.
You can avoid the appearance of cracks during the cooking process if you comply with certain conditions:
- You need to remove the eggs from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking so that they have time to warm up to room temperature.
- The cooking process should take place over low heat. Vigorous boiling, accompanied by the appearance of bubbles, often causes the shell to crack.
- From the moment of boiling, the cooking process should take no more than 8 minutes. This time is enough for the eggs to be hard-boiled. Long cooking will not affect the shelf life, but the taste of the product will deteriorate.
- For cooking, it is better to choose a low pan with a wide bottom. The looser the eggs are, the lower the risk that they will bang against each other during boiling, which can also cause damage to the shell.
Boiled eggs must be cooled in cold water. After this, they need to be dried, placed in a cardboard rack and put in the refrigerator. It is better not to use plastic storage containers, as air exchange is difficult in them.
How to increase shelf life
A boiled egg is stored well if it is put in the refrigerator no later than 2 hours after boiling.To prevent damage to the shell, you can rub it with vegetable oil or melted paraffin. The protective shell has microscopic pores through which bacteria can penetrate.
Oil and paraffin will seal micro-holes, as a result the product will be stored longer. It is convenient to rub the shell with a cotton pad or a soft, clean napkin. The suitability of a boiled egg can be checked by peeling it. The white should be light in color. If it is gray or yellowish, it is better not to consume the product. Another sign of spoilage is an unpleasant odor.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to freeze eggs to keep them longer?
Nutritionists do not recommend doing this. During the freezing process, the structure of the protein is disrupted and it loses its nutritional value. Only the yolks can be frozen. Later they are used to prepare various sauces and mousses.
Does the shelf life depend on the product category?
There is no such relationship. The category only indicates the size of the egg and is in no way related to other characteristics.
Do soft-boiled eggs have the same shelf life?
No. Only fully cooked yolks can be stored for a long time. For undercooked eggs, shelf life is reduced to 4-5 days.
How long can boiled eggs without shells last in the refrigerator?
This product remains fresh for no more than 3-4 days. Check its smell and appearance before eating it.
Why is it not recommended to use the refrigerator door for storage?
Manufacturers of household appliances often equip refrigerator doors with special compartments for eggs, which many are already accustomed to using for their intended purpose. Of course, you can do this. But the shelf life is reduced.This is due to the fact that we open the door quite often and the temperature in this zone is not constant.
Does coloring eggshells for Easter somehow affect the shelf life?
It has absolutely no effect. Easter eggs are stored no less and no more than any other.
The shelf life of boiled eggs is affected by several factors that should be taken into account. The product must be as fresh as possible. Cracks should not be allowed to appear on the shell. To keep the eggs even longer, you can lubricate their surface with oil or melted paraffin. You can extend the shelf life of yolks if you freeze them, after first separating them from the whites, which are not suitable for this procedure.