Eggs are a staple in many households, but one common mistake people make is storing them on the refrigerator door.
While it may seem like a convenient spot, especially when your hands are full and you just need to quickly grab a few eggs, it’s actually not the best place to keep them. Below are some reasons why you should avoid storing your eggs on the refrigerator door.
Eggs require a consistent temperature
Eggs are sensitive to temperature changes, and exposure to fluctuating temperatures can cause them to spoil faster. The refrigerator door is the warmest part of the fridge because it gets exposed to the most temperature changes.
Every time you open the door, warm air rushes in and affects the temperature inside the fridge. This can cause the temperature on the door to fluctuate more than other areas of the fridge, which can affect the quality of your eggs. For this reason, it is best to keep eggs on a shelf inside the fridge where the temperature is more consistent.
Eggs can be damaged by movement
The fridge door is constantly opening and closing, and even the slightest movement can jostle your eggs around. This movement can cause small cracks to form in the eggshells, which can allow bacteria to enter and spoil the eggs.
To avoid this, it is best to keep eggs in a spot where they will be less likely to move around.
Eggshells are porous
Eggshells are porous, which means they can absorb odors and flavors from other foods in the fridge. This is particularly a problem on the fridge door, where strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions are often stored.
The porous eggshell can absorb these odors and flavors, which can affect the taste of your eggs. To avoid this, it is best to store eggs away from strongly flavored foods.
Eggs can go bad faster on the fridge door
As mentioned, the fridge door is the warmest part of the fridge and also the most prone to temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations can cause your eggs to go bad faster, meaning they won’t stay fresh for as long as they would inside the fridge.
By keeping your eggs on a shelf inside the fridge, you can help them stay fresh longer and reduce the risk of them spoiling prematurely.
Eggs are meant to be stored in their original packaging
Eggs come in a cardboard container for a reason – to protect them from damage and help them stay fresh. Storing eggs on the fridge door means they are more likely to be exposed to air and movement, which can compromise their quality.
To ensure your eggs stay fresh, it is best to leave them in their original packaging and store them on a shelf inside the fridge.
Egg storage tips
Now that you know why it’s not a good idea to store eggs on the refrigerator door, here are some tips for storing eggs to help them stay fresh:.
- Keep eggs in their original packaging or in a covered container to prevent exposure to air.
- Store eggs on a shelf in the fridge where the temperature is consistent.
- Avoid storing eggs near strong-smelling foods.
- Don’t wash eggs before storing them, as this can remove the protective coating on the eggshell.
- Use older eggs first – eggs that are closer to their expiration date are more likely to spoil.
Conclusion
While it may seem convenient to store your eggs on the refrigerator door, it’s not the best spot for them. Eggs require consistent temperatures and protection from movement and odors in order to stay fresh.
By keeping your eggs on a shelf inside the fridge, you can help ensure they stay fresh longer and reduce the risk of them spoiling prematurely.