Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the egg section at the grocery store, clueless about which carton to pick? Understanding egg expiration dates can be a bit confusing, but fear not! In this blog post, we will shed some light on how to read egg expiry dates and make sure you are picking the freshest eggs for your next omelette.

How are Egg Expiration Dates Determined?

Egg expiration dates are determined by the Julian calendar, which assigns a three-digit number to each day of the year. This number represents the number of days that have passed since January 1st. For example, January 1st is represented by 001, and December 31st is represented by 365 (or 366 in a leap year).

Decoding the Egg Expiration Date

Now that you know how the dates are determined, let’s decode the egg expiration date on the carton. It is usually printed in the format of “EXP” followed by a three-digit number.

What Does the Three-Digit Number Mean?

The three-digit number represents the day of the year by counting from January 1st. For instance, if the number is 065, it means the eggs will expire on March 6th (since March 6th is the 65th day of the year).

How Long are Eggs Safe to Eat?

While it’s important to consume eggs before their expiration date, it’s worth noting that eggs are typically safe to eat for an additional 2 to 3 weeks after that date, as long as they have been stored properly in the refrigerator. This is due to the protective coating on the eggshell that helps preserve freshness. However, it’s always best to rely on your senses to determine if an egg is still good to eat.

How Can You Tell If an Egg is Fresh?

To check if an egg is fresh, you can perform the float test. Fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg in it. If the egg sinks and lays flat on the bottom, it is fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it is no longer fresh and should be discarded.

Storing Eggs Properly

To keep your eggs fresh for longer, it’s crucial to store them correctly. Store eggs in their original carton, which helps to protect them from absorbing other flavors and odors from the fridge. Additionally, keep your eggs refrigerated at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to maintain their freshness and quality.

Final Thoughts

Understanding egg expiration dates is essential for selecting the freshest eggs and avoiding food waste. By decoding the three-digit number, you can determine the exact day on which the eggs will expire. Remember to store your eggs properly and use your senses to determine freshness. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently make the best choices when buying and consuming eggs!

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