Expiration & Storage Tips
When does cage free eggs expire?
Unopened cage-free eggs keep fresh for three to five weeks in the fridge and are still good to eat a couple of weeks after the 'sell by' date. After opening, it's best to use the eggs within two weeks. Unfortunately, freezing raw eggs isn't recommended because the yolks tend to become gelatinous and inedible. However, you can freeze scrambled eggs or other egg-based dishes for two to three months. Homemade dishes with eggs, like a quiche or casserole, can be refrigerated for about three to four days.
How do you tell if cage free eggs is bad?
Telling if an egg has gone bad is pretty straightforward. Firstly, you could perform a simple float test. Fill a bowl with water and place the egg in it. If it sinks and lies flat on its side, it's still fresh. An older, but still edible egg will stand upright on the bottom, while a spoiled egg will float. Also, a bad egg will have a strong, pungent smell, which you'll usually notice as soon as you crack it open.
Tips for storing cage free eggs to extend shelf life
• Store your eggs in the refrigerator, ideally in their original carton which helps protect the eggs and keep them fresh.
• Try to avoid storing your eggs on the fridge door, as the temperature tends to fluctuate there. Instead, place them in the main body of the fridge which stays at a more constant temperature.
• Use older eggs for hard-cooking, which makes them easier to peel. Fresher eggs can go into dishes where that's not an important factor.
• If you're going away and won't be able to finish your eggs before they expire, consider cracking and beating them, then freezing. They can last up to a year in the freezer this way!