With the egg prices on the rise, you might want to make sure you never waste a single one. This is at least true for Reddit users, who often ask questions about how long can you leave eggs on the counter and always be safe to eat or how long they last in the refrigerator.

These questions are usually asked so as not to waste food or money. According to a recent CNET survey, 93% of Americans are worried about inflation And 77% experience “sticker shock” when purchasing groceries. It’s becoming increasingly important for Americans to stretch their dollar – and in this case – their egg.

We spoke with a food safety expert to learn everything you need to know about properly storing your eggs so you can eat them safely.

How long do eggs last in the refrigerator?

According to the US Department of Agricultureeggs generally stay good for three to five weeks in the refrigerator. However, they “often remain edible for a week or two beyond that date, provided they are kept refrigerated,” said Zachary Cartwrightmember of the Food Safety and Quality Management Division at Institute of Food Technologists and senior food scientist at Aqualab by Addium.

There are, however, ways to maximize the freshness of an egg. Cartwright says you should store your eggs in their original carton and “with the pointed end down to help maintain their freshness by keeping the air cell at the top. This slows moisture loss and maintains the yellow centered”.

It is also important to store eggs in the coldest part of your refrigerator rather than the door, since the temperature fluctuates in that area, he says.

Cooked eggs stays good for about a week in the refrigerator, according to the USDA.

Why do we refrigerate eggs?

“In the United States, eggs must be refrigerated because of the washing process which removes the natural protective layer of the shell, making them more susceptible to bacteria,” Cartwright says. “In some other countries, eggs are not refrigerated because they retain their protective coating. However, once refrigerated, they must remain that way to avoid condensation, which can encourage bacterial growth.”

According to State Food Safety, the United States washes its eggs to prevent the spread of salmonella. The USDA also recommends that a hen’s eggs be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible after collection.

Is the best buy date for eggs correct?

Cartwright says the expiration date on eggs is “a guideline, not a hard and fast rule,” adding that eggs are often good one to two weeks after the date printed on the carton, provided they have been refrigerated.

“As eggs age, their quality declines – they may lose some firmness and the whites may become thinner – but they are still safe to eat,” he says.

Here is an overview of how expiration dates work and why you shouldn’t always take them literally.

How to Test Egg Freshness at Home

If you want to check if your eggs are still good before breaking them, you can perform a simple float test with your egg and a glass of cold water.

First fill a large glass with cold water, then carefully drop in the egg.inside. If the egg sinks and turns on its side, it is still perfectly safe to eat. If the egg sinks but stays straight, it can also be eaten, but it is an older egg and should be used soon. If the egg floats directly on the surface of the water, this is a sign that it is spoiled and should be discarded.

“This test works because air builds up inside the egg as it ages, making it more buoyant,” Cartwright explains.

An important thing to remember about testing eggs is that if one of the eggs in the carton passes the test, that doesn’t mean all of them will. Be sure to test each one individually before cooking and pay attention to the smell after opening the egg. “A strong sulfur smell is a clear sign that the egg is bad,” says Cartwright.

Another thing to watch for is “unusual coloring, such as a pink, green, or iridescent tint in the egg white or yolk, which may indicate bacterial contamination,” adds Cartwright.

Can I freeze eggs?

Yes, but not in their shell. An option for freeze eggs involves breaking them, then beating them together before putting them away. Or you can freeze the egg yolks and whites separately. According to the USDA, whites are more optimal for freezing because the texture remains the same, but if you want to freeze the yolks, you will need to add salt and corn syrup or sugar to improve the consistency. Individual eggs can be frozen separately in ice cube trays and muffin tins, and they can stay frozen for up to a year.