The summer weather is hot, and the temperature is gradually rising. Eggs are prone to spoilage in such a hot season. So, how to store eggs in the summer? Among the methods, refrigerating eggs is the most common, but this can only store a small quantity. In fact, there are some great tips for storing eggs that are not only effective but also solve the problem of not being able to store large quantities in the refrigerator.
Summer Egg Storage Methods
1. Edible Oil Coating Method
You can choose to apply a thin layer of edible oil to the surface of the eggs. This can prevent the evaporation of carbon dioxide and water from inside the eggshell and stop bacteria from penetrating. Eggs can be stored for about 36 days in the summer using this method. However, this method is only suitable when the temperature is between 25 and 30°C. Additionally, there's no need to apply too much oil; a light brush is sufficient. Then, store the eggs in a cool place. Note that they should not be placed in direct sunlight or in the kitchen, as the high temperature there would make the oil-coating method ineffective.
2. Rice Bran Filling Method
Clean and dry a clean wooden barrel or crate. Lay a layer of rice bran at the bottom, about 1-2 cm thick, then place a layer of eggs, slightly separating them. Fill the gaps with rice bran, add another layer of rice bran, then another layer of eggs. Repeat this until the container is full. Cover it and place it in a cool, shaded place. It will not spoil for up to six months. However, it is important to note that the eggs must be turned out for inspection every 10 days, and checked by candling once a month. Any moldy eggs should be discarded immediately.
3. Pine Needle Lining Method
In a clean, dry container, line the bottom with a 1 cm thick layer of pine needles. Then add another layer of pine needles, followed by a layer of eggs. Repeat this alternately until the container is full. The final layer should be pine needles, about 1 cm thick. Cover the container with a lid and place it in a cool, dry place indoors. It can generally be preserved for 3-4 months.
4. Bean Filling Method
Storing eggs in a bed of millet husks or other grain hulls helps inhibit the activity of spoilage bacteria around the egg and slows down the egg's own metabolism, extending its freshness time. However, you can also use other miscellaneous grains like soybeans or red beans instead of millet. The preservation effect of beans is better than that of grain husks, and they can generally keep the eggs fresh for 7-8 months.
Tips: Actually, there are other methods for storing eggs. Refrigeration is just the most common one, and in terms of time and effectiveness, it's actually the worst.
How Long Can Eggs Be Stored
It's best to buy eggs in small quantities multiple times. At a temperature of 2-5°C, eggs can generally be stored for about 30 days. When stored at room temperature in winter, they last for 15 days, and at room temperature in summer, they last for 10 days.
Egg Storage Tips
1. The eggs you buy may have dirt and a small amount of chicken manure on them. If you are clean-freak, don't wash them. It's not too late to wash them just before eating. This is because the eggshell has a natural "protective layer" that seals the pores on the shell. It prevents bacteria from entering the egg and stops moisture from evaporating from inside. If you find them dirty, you can simply wipe the dirt off the surface with a slightly damp paper towel.
2. Eggs are sensitive to high temperatures and humidity, so store them in a cool, dry place. It is not recommended to store eggs in a sealed container. As everyone knows, there is an empty space inside the egg (usually at the larger end), called the air cell. To prevent the yolk from spreading, store the eggs with the larger end down. The gas inside will prevent the yolk from touching the shell, making it less likely for the yolk to break or stick to the shell.
3. Although refrigeration can make the storage time longer, try to buy and eat them as soon as possible. Do not store them for too long. Generally, the maximum storage time should not exceed 15 days.
What a Bad Egg Looks Like
1. Cracked Eggs: During transportation, storage, and packaging, eggs can develop cracks or fractures due to vibration and squeezing. Bacteria can easily enter these eggs, so they should not be eaten if they have been stored for a long time.
2. Sticky Shell Eggs: These eggs have been stored for too long, causing the yolk membrane to weaken and the yolk to stick to the shell. If only a part of it is red, it can still be eaten. However, if the yolk membrane is tightly stuck to the shell and the area outside is dark black with a foul odor, it should not be consumed.
3. Broken Yolk Eggs: The yolk membrane can rupture due to violent shaking during transportation, causing mechanical yolk breakage. Alternatively, if stored for too long, bacteria or molds can enter the egg through the pores in the shell, destroying the protein structure and causing the yolk to break, making the egg liquid thin and cloudy. If the yolk breakage is not severe and there is no odor, it can still be eaten after being cooked at high temperatures. However, if bacteria have multiplied inside the egg, the protein has denatured, and it has a foul odor, it should not be eaten.
4. Rotten Eggs: When bacteria enter the egg and multiply in large numbers, the egg spoils. The eggshell becomes a dull gray, and the internal pressure from hydrogen sulfide gas may even cause the shell to burst. The contents inside will be gray-green or dark yellow with a foul smell. This egg must not be eaten, as it can cause bacterial food poisoning.
5. Dead Embryo Eggs: These are eggs where the embryo has stopped development during the incubation process due to bacterial or parasitic contamination, combined with poor temperature and humidity conditions. The nutritional content of this type of egg has changed. If the death occurred a long time ago, the protein will have broken down into various toxic substances, so it should not be eaten.
6. Moldy Eggs: Some eggs are exposed to rain or dampness, which washes away the protective film on the shell, allowing bacteria to enter and cause mold and spoilage. This results in black spots and mold on the shell. Such eggs should not be purchased or eaten. Additionally, eggs like "泻黄蛋" (yellow liquid leakage eggs) and "血筋蛋" (blood streak eggs) generally should not be purchased or consumed either.