Eggs are a kitchen staple in many UAE households, but warm temperatures make proper storage especially important. A few simple habits can help maintain their freshness and quality for longer.

Here's a simple guide to help you store, handle and check your eggs safely.

Why Does Storage Matter More in the UAE?

Warm temperatures can affect the quality and freshness of perishable foods, including eggs. That's why it's important to store eggs properly after buying them rather than leaving them out for extended periods, especially in hot weather.

Avoid leaving eggs in a hot car or other warm places for longer than necessary, and refrigerate them as soon as you get home.

Where Should You Store Eggs at Home?

• Keep eggs refrigerated rather than at room temperature.
• Store them on a shelf inside the fridge rather than in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate more.
• Keep eggs in their original carton to help protect them and keep track of the date on the packaging.
• Avoid storing eggs near strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odours through the shell.

How Long Do Eggs Stay Fresh?

When stored correctly in the fridge, eggs can generally stay fresh for several weeks, although this can vary depending on how they were handled and stored before you bought them.

If you're stocking up, something like Al Ain Eggs (Large Tray) can be stored in the fridge and used according to the date and storage instructions on the packaging.

If eggs have been left out of the fridge for an extended period, especially in warm weather, it's better to be cautious rather than assume they're still safe to use.

How Can You Tell If an Egg Has Gone Bad?

A few simple checks can help:

• Smell: Crack the egg into a separate bowl and check for an unusual or unpleasant odour.
• Appearance: Check the colour and texture of the egg white and yolk. Anything unusual can be a reason to discard it.
• When in doubt: If you're unsure about an egg's storage or freshness, it's safer to discard it.

Tips for Buying and Transporting Eggs in the Heat

• Try to make eggs one of the last things you pick up before heading home.
• Avoid leaving eggs in a parked car, especially during warmer months.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight and excessive heat during transport.
• Refrigerate them as soon as you get home.

Want to Know What's Actually in an Egg?

Storage is only half the picture. If you're also curious about what eggs offer nutritionally, our egg nutrition guide covers the basics in plain terms.

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FAQs

1. Should eggs be refrigerated in the UAE?

Yes. Given the UAE's warm climate, keeping eggs refrigerated is generally recommended to help maintain their freshness and quality.

2. How long do eggs last in the fridge?

Eggs stored correctly in the fridge can generally stay fresh for several weeks, although this can vary depending on how they were handled and stored before purchase. Always check the date and storage instructions on the packaging.

3. Can eggs go bad quickly in hot weather?

Eggs exposed to warm temperatures for extended periods can lose quality more quickly. It's best to refrigerate them as soon as possible after buying them.

4. Where's the best place to store eggs in the fridge?

A shelf inside the fridge is generally a better option than the door, where temperatures can fluctuate more.

5. How can I tell if an egg has gone bad?

Crack the egg into a separate bowl and check for an unusual smell or appearance. If anything seems off, it's safer to discard the egg rather than use it.