How to check if an egg is still good and how to store it properly
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Label: The first digit indicates the farming method (0 = organic, 1 = free-range, 2 = barn, 3 = caged). Then comes the country code (e.g. DE = Germany) and a farm identification number.
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Freshness test: Place the egg in a glass of cold water – fresh eggs sink and lie flat, older ones stand upright or float (should be discarded).
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Storage: Keep eggs refrigerated below 7°C. Don’t wash them and avoid using cracked or dirty eggs. Dishes with raw eggs should be consumed immediately.
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Shelf life: Observe the best-before date. After that, eggs can still be used if thoroughly heated – at least 2 minutes at 70°C.
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Why not refrigerated in shops? Because cold chains are often interrupted during transport, leading to condensation on the shell which can promote bacterial growth. Constant room temperature is safer until sale.
