Most consumers keep their eggs in the fridge to avoid the proliferation of certain bacteria. What if this practice was useless, even harmful? Here are some tips for storing your eggs.
Have you always believed in keeping your eggs in the fridge? In reality, it is simply a received idea. Researchers from the FoodTest laboratory in the United Kingdom explain that it is absolutely not mandatory put the eggs in the fridge. Remember that this practice was originally intended to prevent the formation of salmonella, which caused the infection known as salmonellosis.
As part of their work dating from 2013, the scientists compared two batches of eggs, one at room temperature and the second kept cool at 6°C. Then they performed several tests to detect various bacteria , including salmonella and Escherichia coli. According to the results, the levels of these bacteria in the eggs were similar, even two weeks after the first tests.
As Consoglobe explains, eggs are quite often found in cardboard boxes or in bulk and not necessarily in the refrigerated section. He says that from the place of production to the store, the eggs remain at room temperature. This avoids the repetition of thermal shocks which will reduce the natural protection of the shell. If this happens, the risk of a passage of bacteria inside of the egg due to condensation increases.
And yet, the presence of the mention "keep refrigerated after purchase" is mandatory on the packaging. In collective catering, the legislation requires keeping eggs at a temperature of +5°C . However, it seems that this is a way of avoiding frequent temperature differences. However, this practice creates other problems. Indeed, keeping eggs cold alters their taste and a cold egg combined in a preparation does not mix as well as an egg at room temperature.
Remember that the shell of the egg is not airtight , because it has many tiny holes. The cold will then also influence the porosity of the shell. Also, placing the eggs next to a piece of cheese or another ingredient can alter the taste. In any case, the best thing is to place them at room temperature in a rather cool environment to avoid significant temperature differences.
