Is there an upper limit to the "room temperature" at which eggs should be stored?
(Unwashed) eggs needn't be stored in a fridge. Well, depends where you live and if the hens get vaccinated against salmonella, that is.
Basically eggs come with a type of natural coating - the cuticle - that protects them from going bad even at room temperature (and seemingly higher) for several weeks (see this question and answers). It's kind of self-evident from the fact that hens will take some time to breed fertilized eggs - at ... and usually above room temperature - and it would be odd for the nutrients to go bad while the embryo (chick) needs them to develop.
However, you may have noticed my use of room temperature in the above paragraph. Just like with red wine that's kind of a stretchy term. So since I live in the Northern hemisphere and it's summer time here, I was wondering if there is a rule of thumb of what ambient temperature should not be exceeded for non-refrigerated eggs? (Please cite your sources for the rules you give in your answers!)
NB: Yes, I am aware that by refrigerating eggs early on can considerably prolong the duration until they go bad (even though the eggs are being sold off the shelf; i.e. without refrigeration). But my question is more about trying to find out if there is an upper limit and how the ambient temperature influences the tendency of eggs to spoil. For example if I know that I can easily keep a carton of eggs at up to 30°C for a week, that'd save me quite some space in the fridge when I plan to bake within a week of the grocery shopping.
Best Answer
100°C would definitely be too high.
145°F/63°C -- Egg whites begin to thicken Same link:
Keep in mind salmonella is killed instantly when subjected to a temperature of 165° F.
I think the limiting factor for letting eggs sit out is going to be salmonella growth rate. Looks like that maxes out at 19 degrees C (66°F). Knowing that, I'd refrigerate.
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What is the highest temperature you can store eggs?
Store promptly in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40\xb0 F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check. Store eggs in their original carton and use them within 3 weeks for best quality.How many days an egg can be stored at room temperature?
If you live in the US or another country where eggs must be refrigerated, eggs should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (7).Is it true that eggs can be stored at room temperature?
"After eggs are refrigerated, they need to stay that way," the USDA website explains. "A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the movement of bacteria into the egg and increasing the growth of bacteria. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out more than two hours."What is the max number of hours eggs can be at room temperature?
Con: Cold eggs may not be best for baking If this is important to you, it's considered safe to leave eggs at room temperature for up to two hours.You've Been Storing Eggs Wrong Your Entire Life
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