How to store and preserve eggs

Relatively speaking, the shelf life of eggs is slightly longer. When we buy fresh eggs, we must learn the correct preservation methods so that the nutrients of the eggs can be maintained. Do not rinse the eggs with water after purchasing them, because there is a protective film on the surface of the eggs. This protective film helps to preserve the eggs. In addition, you should also pay attention to the placement of the eggs during storage. Make sure the big end is facing up and the small end is facing down. This is the secret to keeping it fresh.

How to store and preserve eggs

1. Don’t rinse eggs to be stored

After buying the eggs and bringing them home, first use a clean paper to slightly wet each egg that is to be refrigerated, then wring it out, then gently wipe off the dirt on the surface of the egg (do not wash the eggs with water, just wipe the eggshell clean). Eggs that have been washed with water should not be stored because after the gelatinous substance on the surface of the eggs is washed away, bacteria can easily enter through the small holes in the eggshell and cause the eggs to go bad. So, we just need to wipe off the dirt on the surface of the eggshell with slightly damp paper.

There is a layer of "white frost" on the outside of the eggshell, which serves to seal the pores on the eggshell. This can prevent bacteria from entering the egg and prevent the evaporation of water in the egg, thus keeping the egg liquid fresh. After rinsing with water, the "white frost" will fall off, bacteria will invade, and water will evaporate, causing the eggs to deteriorate.

Do not rinse eggs that need to be stored. Clean the eggshells before cooking just before eating.

2. How to store eggs

The eggs must be placed with the big end facing up and the small end facing down, and stacked upright, not sideways. Because eggs are breathing things. There are some small round holes at the large part of the eggshell. These are where air goes in and out (called air chambers), controlling the "breathing" of the egg. Therefore, if the large part is placed downwards, the respiration will be poor and its freshness will be reduced.

Fresh egg whites are thick and can effectively hold the yolk in place. However, as the storage time increases, the mucin in the egg white will gradually become thinner under the action of protease and lose its function of fixing the egg yolk. Because the specific gravity of the yolk is smaller than that of the egg white, when the egg is placed horizontally, the yolk will float up and get closer to the eggshell, becoming an egg that is attached to the yolk or leans against the yolk. If you place an egg upright with its big end facing upwards, there will be an air chamber inside the egg head, and the gas inside will prevent the yolk from sticking close to the eggshell.

3. Do not store eggs directly in the refrigerator

Eggs should be refrigerated during summer storage. However, the eggs you buy cannot be put directly into the refrigerator. They must be sealed in a food bag or a fresh-keeping box before being put into the refrigerator. If you need to store eggs in the refrigerator, be careful not to expose them directly to the refrigerator, because the surface of the eggshell carries many pollutants and can easily contaminate other foods in the refrigerator.

Eggs can only be stored in the refrigerator and cannot be frozen, because freezing will cause the protein to change and the yolk to coagulate.

4. Avoid packaging eggs with volatile substances

Do not store eggs together with foods with strong odors such as onions, ginger, and garlic. Therefore, the strong smell of such substances as onions, ginger, and peppers will penetrate into the eggs through the pores in the eggshell and accelerate the deterioration of the eggs.

5. How to preserve edible oil

Applying a thin layer of cooking oil on the surface of the eggs can prevent the evaporation of carbon dioxide and water in the eggshell, and prevent bacteria from entering. The eggs can be preserved for about 36 days in summer. But this method is only suitable for use when the temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.