If you’ve ever boiled eggs and then left them out on the counter, you may have been wondering how long they will last.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hard-boiled eggs outside of the refrigerator will only last for two hours. After just one hour, if they’ve been kept at a temperature of 90°F or hotter, you should dispose of them.
In this article, we will discuss the shelf life of hard-boiled eggs and how to make them last as long as possible.
How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last at Room Temperature?
According to the USDA, “the danger zone” refers to temperatures between 40 and 140°F for more than two hours. That’s because dangerous bacteria thrive in this temperature range the most.
And, in fact, if it’s over 90°F (at a backyard barbecue or summer picnic), perishable items must be thrown away after only one hour.
If you’re trying to be food-safe, the best option is to conceal the candy-filled plastic eggs or use “blown” eggs for dying. If you must utilize a hard-boiled dozen for décor, hide them immediately before the hunt and make them all quite easy to find.
How Can You Tell If a Hard Boiled Egg is Still Good?
Spoiled eggs are more prone to germs such as salmonella, which is why knowing if they’re bad is so crucial. You should inspect your hard-boiled eggs for foul odors just like with fresh ones; if they emit sulfur or have any other putrid smells, they should be discarded immediately.
And, of course, if you crack open an egg and the inside is green or runny, it’s time to chuck that sucker.
Generally speaking, if your hard-boiled eggs look and smell okay, they’re probably still safe to eat. Just make sure you store them in a cool, dry place as soon as possible after cooking.
How Should I Store Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Hard-boiled eggs should be kept at a temperature of 40°F or below. Glad recommends storing hard-boiled eggs in a covered food container in the refrigerator — and you should try to keep them cold in an insulated cooler or with frozen ice packs if you’re transporting them somewhere.
How Long Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last in the Fridge?
If you store your hard-boiled eggs properly in the refrigerator, they should last for up to one week. First, let them cool down to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container. Make sure they’re not stacked on top of each other to prevent crushing.
Is it Better to Store Hard-Boiled Eggs Peeled or Unpeeled?
It’s preferable to keep this protein-rich ingredient unpeeled since the shell keeps moisture in and prevents the egg from absorbing any other odors or tastes from the fridge.
Another benefit of keeping your eggs intact? Once hard-boiled, peeled eggs are actually much simpler to remove.
How to Buy Fresh Eggs?
It’s up to personal choice whether you purchase standard, free-range, organic, or pasture-raised eggs. There are, however, certain things to be wary of.
The FDA advises that you should only consume eggs if they’ve been sold out of and kept in the refrigerator or a refrigerated box. Then, before buying a carton, inspect each egg to ensure that it is clean and free of cracks.
On the other hand, you should check the carton for a “sell-by” date; even though egg processors aren’t required to print and expire dates, according to the Egg Safety Center. Labels on cartons must disclose when they were packed in terms of month, day, and year.
Conclusion
Make sure you’re keeping hard-boiled eggs in the fridge at all times if you have any leftovers after a party or want to prepare some ahead of time. If they are kept at room temperature, germs may develop, and food poisoning is a possibility.
