Mary Berry urges households to store eggs the 'American way'
It has been a long-running debate as to whether eggs should be kept in the fridge or the countertop, but Bake Off's Mary Berry has finally solved the issue
The question of whether eggs are best kept on the counter or in the fridge has long been a hotly contested debate, but baking icon Mary Berry has finally settled the argument once and for all. Eggs typically boast a reasonable shelf life, yet the question of where to store them in the kitchen has sparked an enduring dispute between Britons and Americans.
In the UK, it is far more customary to leave eggs at room temperature on the worktop, while Americans tend to favour storing them in the cooler conditions of the fridge. Now, Great British Bake Off legend and baking authority Mary Berry appears to have put the matter to rest, seemingly siding with the Americans in her book 'Mary Berry's Complete Cookbook.' Mary wrote: "Store eggs in their box in the refrigerator (away from strong foods so that they do not absorb flavours and odours through their shells.)"
READ MORE: Clean your drains in minutes with common household ingredient — not vinegar
READ MORE: Gardeners warned to stop invasive plant spreading across the UK
"If you place them pointed end down, the yolk will remain centered in the white. Always use them by their use-by date."
Why should you keep eggs in the fridge?
Storing eggs in the fridge is the most effective method of preserving their freshness, as a temperature of 4C or below will help extend their longevity.
Eggs can also be kept on the worktop if preferred, though maintaining a cool and consistent temperature remains the key to keeping them at their best.
It is worth noting, however, that eggs should always be placed on a fridge shelf rather than in the door, as this can cause them to deteriorate.
Jenna Kelly, an expert from Essential Food Hygiene UK, has also advised storing eggs in the fridge to prevent fluctuations in temperature.
However, she warns that placing them in the fridge door will not only cause them to spoil more quickly but could also trigger food poisoning due to the constant change in temperature.
Jenna wrote: "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, eggs can indeed be stored in the freezer, where they will keep for six months. Nevertheless, it is generally advisable to use them within four months to ensure they remain as fresh as possible.
In 'Mary Berry's Ultimate Cookbook', she wrote: "Shelled raw eggs freeze very successfully, and can be stored for up to six months."
"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)."
To unfreeze eggs, Mary said: "Thaw at room temperature. Egg-based dishes such as quiches, custards and mousses can also be frozen." How do you ensure you purchase fresh eggs at the supermarket?
Mary has advised always examining the label when attempting to locate the freshest eggs available. For the highest-quality eggs possible, always seek out a red lion wearing a crown on British hen eggs, which serves as a food-safety mark.
When studying egg labels, there will invariably be a description of the farming method employed, such as 'free-range', 'barn', 'caged' or 'organic.'
Mary wrote: "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."
