What is the appropriate temperature for placing eggs in the refrigerator

It is recommended to keep the temperature of eggs in the refrigerator and freezer at around 4 degrees Celsius. The storage temperature of eggs is mainly related to factors such as preservation effect, bacterial growth, nutrient loss, storage duration, and eggshell protection.

1. Preservation Effect

4 degrees Celsius can effectively inhibit enzyme activity inside eggs, delay protein and fat oxidation. At this temperature, the stability of the egg yolk film is optimal, and it can maintain the original texture of the egg for about 3-5 weeks. Excessive temperature can accelerate the thinning of egg white, while insufficient temperature may cause the eggshell to condense.

2. Bacterial growth

Common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella significantly slow down their reproduction rate at 4 degrees Celsius. When the refrigeration temperature exceeds 7 degrees Celsius, the risk of bacterial contamination increases exponentially. Maintaining a constant low temperature can prevent microorganisms from invading through the eggshell pores.

3. Nutrient loss

Fat soluble nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin D are more stable in low temperature environments. 4 degrees Celsius can reduce the hydrolysis of phospholipids and prevent the oxidation and deterioration of essential fatty acids. Temperature fluctuations can accelerate the evaporation of water inside eggs, resulting in the loss of water-soluble vitamins.

4. Storage time

Under constant temperature conditions of 4 degrees Celsius, the shelf life of shelled eggs can reach 35-40 days. For every 5 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, the shelf life is shortened by about 7 days. Unclean farm eggs retain their natural protective film and are stored 5-7 days longer than commercially available clean eggs under the same conditions.

5. Eggshell Protection

Constant low temperature can maintain the integrity of the eggshell cuticle and reduce microcracks during transportation and storage. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation of water droplets on the surface of eggshells, damaging the protective film and increasing the probability of bacterial infiltration. Independent egg box storage can prevent temperature fluctuations from being transmitted.

When storing eggs, it is recommended to place them on the middle shelf in the refrigerator compartment, away from the cooling air outlet to avoid local supercooling. Unopened boxed eggs can be stored directly in their original packaging, while loose eggs should be placed in a dedicated egg box with the blunt end facing upwards. Regularly check the refrigerator thermometer display, and pay special attention to temperature fluctuations caused by frequent compressor starts and stops in summer. Before cooking, it is necessary to let the refrigerated eggs sit and warm them up. Sudden cooling and heating can easily affect the taste and digestion absorption. If mold spots are found on the surface of the eggshell or if there is an odor in the contents, it should be discarded immediately.