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How Long Do Boiled Eggs Keep? Information And Tips

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Have you boiled too many breakfast eggs or have a few colorful surprises left over from Easter? We explain to you how long boiled eggs can be kept, how you can tell if they are rotten, and what you have to consider to ensure that boiled eggs last as long as possible.

Condition of the shell

The condition of the shell is decisive for the shelf life of boiled eggs. If they are damaged while shopping and the shell cracks or the eggshell splits open during cooking, germs can get into the egg. This significantly reduces durability. So make sure that the shell is undamaged and the egg is protected from germs.

If the shell of the egg is cracked, split, or otherwise damaged so that it no longer seals, you should store the egg in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.

Shelf life of eggs

How long do boiled eggs keep? In general, eggs have a relatively long shelf life, provided they are stored properly and are hygienic. How long the freshness lasts depends on the condition of the egg:

  • Raw egg: unchilled approx. 3 weeks after laying, chilled approx. 2 weeks longer
  • Boiled egg, deterred: 2-3 days unrefrigerated, approx. 2 weeks refrigerated
  • Boiled egg, not quenched: Unchilled about 3-4 weeks, refrigerated about 2 weeks longer

Note: When buying eggs, whether raw or cooked, always pay attention to the best-before date and be alert if it has already passed!

Extend shelf life

Of course, you can have a positive effect on the shelf life yourself if you want your eggs to stay fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips:

  • Do not damage the eggshell (protection against germs)
  • no quenching after cooking, cook as hard as possible
  • cool and dark storage

Testing the shelf life of boiled eggs

If you bought boiled eggs or cooked them yourself and are unsure whether they are really fresh and edible, you can see how long they will last by cutting open the egg.

Pay attention to:

  • smell and color
  • location of the yolk

If the egg smells very unpleasant, sulfurous, and/or has a strong brownish or bluish discoloration, then it is almost certainly spoiled. It is best to trust your senses – the body clearly recognizes the bad smell. Better not to take any risks. In addition, a large air chamber in the egg and the shifting of the yolk towards the shell are clear signs of lack of freshness. With a freshly boiled egg, the yolk is relatively in the middle, which can also vary depending on the egg size and type of egg.

Testing shelf life on raw eggs

There is a simple trick you can use to determine whether or not a raw egg is still good. All you have to do is:

  • fill a bowl/glass with water
  • put in the raw egg
  • observe how the egg behaves.

If the egg sinks to the bottom, it’s still fresh and safe to use or eat. However, if it floats further up or even on the water surface, this means it is no longer edible because air and bacteria have gotten inside the egg.

But you can also test the freshness and shelf life of raw eggs after they have been opened: the yolk of fresh eggs is light and stays in the middle of the egg white, while eggs that are no longer so fresh are darker and no longer retain their shape. If the egg is spoiled, the yolk will run out as soon as you crack it.

Freezing eggs

Eggs cannot be frozen completely raw and with the shell on, as the liquid inside would expand during freezing.

It’s best to whisk your eggs well as if you were making scrambled eggs, and then pour the liquid mixture into a jar, silicone molds like those used for muffins, or an ice cube tray. Your eggs will keep for 8-10 months in the freezer.

You should refrain from freezing boiled eggs, as the shell can burst and the consistency and taste of the eggs can develop unpleasantly.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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