The Ultimate Guide to Properly Storing and Freezing Eggs

Properly storing eggs is essential to prevent food poisoning and maintain freshness. Fresh eggs from backyard flocks can be left at room temperature for up to four weeks, but refrigerating them can extend their shelf life to two or three months. Store-bought eggs should always be refrigerated due to the removal of their natural protective coating. Eggs should be stored in a carton with the large end facing up to keep the yolk centered. Avoid washing eggs before storing them to prevent the removal of their protective coating. Cracked eggs should be discarded to avoid bacterial contamination. If freezing eggs, crack them into a bowl, whisk, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to one year.