How Long Can You Freeze Eggs in the Shell? Quick Tips for Proper Storage

Recently, many friends asked me: "Can eggs be frozen?" Especially when you buy too many eggs and can't finish them all at once, many people's first reaction is - well, I'll just put them in the freezer. But eggs are not as "tough" as you might think. Especially eggs with the shell on, there are really some pitfalls!

Can you freeze eggs with the shell on?

It's not recommended!

Really, don't try it. The first time I did it, I directly threw the eggs with the shell into the freezer. As a result, the next day... several eggs cracked and the liquid oozed out. The frozen egg liquid in the fridge was really hard to clean!

The reason is very simple: Eggs contain a lot of water. After freezing, the volume expands, and the shell can't withstand the pressure and will crack. Once it cracks, bacteria can easily get in, and food safety will be greatly compromised.

So if I already froze them, how long can they last?

If you've really accidentally frozen the eggs with the shell on, then eat them as soon as possible.

At most, don't keep them for more than two months.

But if the shell is cracked and the egg liquid is leaking, just throw them away without hesitation. Don't joke about your health!

What’s the proper way to freeze eggs?

Here comes the correct method!

Crack the eggs into a bowl;

Gently stir them with chopsticks (don't whip them);

Pour them into ice cube molds or food storage containers;

After freezing into blocks, transfer them into sealed bags. Remember to label the date!

The egg liquid stored in this way can be kept for 6 - 12 months. When you want to use it, just put it in the refrigerator the night before to thaw. Perfect for scrambling, frying, or baking anytime!

Can you freeze raw eggs in ziploc bags?

Of course you can, and this is my commonly used method!

All you need to do is crack the eggs first, stir them a little, then pour them into a sealed bag (like a Ziploc bag), flatten it and freeze it. It doesn't take up much space and is really convenient to thaw. It is recommended to put the amount of 1 - 2 eggs in each bag. You can just take one bag when cooking daily.

By the way, if you're going to bake, you can put the egg white and egg yolk in separate bags. This way, thawing according to your needs is more precise!

Can you freeze boiled eggs?

It depends.

Boiled egg yolks: You can freeze them, and the taste doesn't change much. You can use them to make egg salad or put them in sandwiches.

Boiled egg whites: Not recommended! After freezing, the texture becomes rubbery, like chewing gum, and it doesn't taste good.

So if you want to freeze boiled eggs, it is recommended to only keep the egg yolks.

Can you freeze eggs in a carton?

Absolutely not!

The carton is neither waterproof nor airtight. After freezing, it is prone to absorbing moisture and deforming, and the eggshells will crack along with it. It's a complete failure case.

If you want to freeze eggs, please remember: Take the eggs out of the egg carton, beat them, seal them, and then freeze them.

This is currently the most reliable way. It's not easy to spoil, and it's hygienic and safe.

Can you freeze scrambled eggs?

Sure you can! And this is the method I most often recommend to lazy people~

You can fry more eggs on the weekend. Adding a small amount of milk or cheese will make the texture more tender. Then let them cool and divide them into portions for freezing. Just heat them up for breakfast and you don't have to get up early to cut vegetables, beat eggs, and use the pan~

It is recommended to eat the frozen scrambled eggs within 1 - 2 months for the best flavor. They are suitable for making breakfast bento, sandwich fillings, or egg rolls. They are super versatile!

Egg storage methods

Storage at room temperature:

If the room temperature is below 20°C, you can store them in a ventilated and shaded place, away from light. They can be stored for 7 - 10 days without any problem.

However, it is not recommended in summer or a heated kitchen environment as they are prone to spoilage.

Refrigerator storage (most recommended):

Put the eggs in the refrigerator's crisper. Place the pointed end down and the rounded end up, which helps keep the yolk in the center and extends the freshness!

Duration: 30 - 40 days

Note: Don't wash them! Wipe off the surface impurities with kitchen paper before putting them in.

Frozen beaten egg method:

For eggs you can't finish, you can beat them and divide them into portions for freezing! Ice cube trays or small cups are fine. You can take them as you need, and they are extremely convenient for fried rice and baking~ Remember to label them with the date. It's safest to eat them within 6 months.

Freezing egg whites or yolks separately:

Attention, baking lovers⚠️ Sometimes the recipe only requires egg whites or yolks. What should you do with the rest? Just freeze them separately~

Freeze the egg whites directly.

For the egg yolks, add some sugar or salt, beat them evenly, and then freeze (otherwise they will turn into a jelly-like state and be difficult to thaw and operate).

Storage after boiling:

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 - 5 days. But it is not recommended to freeze them as it will affect the taste and structure. Especially the egg whites will become hard and dry.