Ever stared into your fridge, a carton of eggs in hand, wondering if they're still good? You're not alone! Knowing how long eggs last in the refrigerator is key to avoiding culinary catastrophes and potential food poisoning.
The good news is, properly stored eggs have a pretty decent shelf life. Generally, **fresh, refrigerated shell eggs will last for 3 to 5 weeks beyond the pack date (the date they were packaged)**. This timeframe applies whether you buy them from the grocery store or get them fresh from a local farmer.
But how can you be sure? Trust your senses! A bad egg will often have a sulfurous or rotten smell, even before you crack it. If you're unsure, try the float test: place the egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lays flat, it's fresh. If it stands on one end, it's still okay to use, but should be used soon. If it floats, toss it!
Keep your eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the back) to help them last longer. Happy cooking!
