Freeze your eggs: The year-long solution to freshness

The freshness of eggs doesn’t last forever, so it's useful to know how to extend their shelf life. Contrary to common belief, there is a way to preserve the freshness of eggs for up to a year. The secret lies in proper storage. Discover how a simple trick can prolong the freshness of your eggs.

One of the most frequently asked questions is where to store eggs – in the fridge or at room temperature. Although many people keep eggs in the fridge, it turns out unnecessary. At room temperature, eggs remain fresh for about two weeks, while in the fridge, their shelf life extends to three weeks. However, there is an even better way to maintain the freshness of eggs – freezing.

Freezing eggs is a simple and effective way to extend their shelf life. This means you can always have this valuable ingredient on hand, ideal for various dishes.

What are the benefits of freezing eggs?

    
• Longer shelf life: Frozen eggs can be stored for up to a year without losing their nutritional properties.
• Convenience: No need to worry about the eggs going off. You can freeze them in suitable portions and use them as needed.
• Versatility: Both whole eggs and separated whites and yolks can be successfully frozen.

Although it may sound surprising, freezing is one of the best ways to maintain the freshness of eggs. Under the right conditions, frozen eggs can retain their quality for up to 12 months. This is an extremely useful trick, especially if you have a surplus of eggs and want to prevent waste.

Freezing whole eggs:

    
1. Break eggs: Gently break the eggs and pour the contents into an airtight container.
2. Whisk: Lightly whisk with a fork to combine the yolks and whites.
3. Freeze: Label the container with the date and place it in the freezer.

Freezing yolks:

      
1. Separate yolks: Carefully separate the yolks from the whites.
2. Add salt or sugar: For every 200 ml of yolks, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt (for savoury dishes) or 1.5 tablespoons of sugar (for desserts).
3. Mix: Mix the yolks thoroughly with the chosen addition.
4. Freeze: Pour into an airtight container and freeze.

Freezing whites:

    
1. Separate whites: Carefully separate the whites from the yolks.
2. Mix: Lightly whisk the whites with a fork.
3. Freeze: Pour into an airtight container and freeze.

Thawing eggs requires the right approach. They shouldn’t be thawed quickly at room temperature as this can affect their texture and taste. The best way to thaw eggs is to place them in the fridge overnight. By allowing them to thaw slowly, eggs maintain their structure and are suitable for use in a variety of dishes.

After thawing, eggs can be used just like fresh ones – for baking, omelettes, pancakes, or other dishes. However, it's important to remember not to refreeze eggs once they have been thawed, as this can negatively affect their quality and also pose a risk of bacterial growth, which may be hazardous to health.

Freezing eggs is a practical way to extend their shelf life and minimise food waste. This way, you will always have this valuable ingredient on hand, perfect for preparing diverse dishes. Just ensure you follow proper storage and thawing methods to enjoy their excellent taste.