Do Duck Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated? (The Simple Answer!)

Do Duck Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated? Yes, duck eggs need to be refrigerated. Duck eggs have a thicker shell than chicken eggs, making them more difficult for bacteria to penetrate.

However, they are still prone to spoilage and need to be kept in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming contaminated.

To ensure safety, duck eggs should be used within 3-5 days of purchase.

Additionally, it is important to store duck eggs in the original carton away from other foods in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.

Do duck eggs need to be refrigerated or can they stay at room temperature? How long do washed duck eggs last compared to unwashed ones? And how do you tell if your duck egg has gone bad

If these questions have been on your mind, don’t worry – you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll answer all the questions about storing and handling duck eggs.

You’ll discover the best practices for keeping these delicious beauties fresh and safe for consumption.

Do Duck Eggs Need To Be Refrigerated?

In comparison to chicken eggs, duck eggs have a thicker shell that provides protection against bacteria.

This protective layer called bloom keeps the inside of the egg fresh for longer without refrigeration.

However, it’s still recommended to store duck eggs in a cool place like the counter or fridge since unwashed duck eggs might carry salmonella or other harmful bacteria.

If you’re planning on eating your duck eggs within one week, it’s safe to keep them at room temperature as long as they’re not washed and free from any cracks.

If you decide to wash your ducks’ eggs before cooking or using them (which is not recommended), then you should store them in the refrigerator.

How To Tell If Duck Eggs Are Bad?

It’s important to know how to tell if duck eggs are bad before you consume them, especially since they can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella.

Here are some ways to determine if your duck eggs have gone bad:

1. Check for discoloration or cracks: If the shell of the egg has any visible cracks, leaks, or brownish spots, it may be unsafe to eat.
2. Sniff the egg: A strong and unpleasant odor emanating from the egg is a clear indication that it has gone bad.
3. Float test: Fill a bowl with water and place the egg in it; fresh eggs should sink straight to the bottom while older ones will bob slightly towards the top or float entirely.

If you suspect your duck eggs might be spoiled but aren’t sure, discard them just to be safe. Eating rotten food can cause serious illnesses that no one wants!

Remember that refrigerated duck eggs can last up to 6 weeks whereas those stored at room temperature only last around 2 weeks.

Check For Discoloration Or Cracks

When it comes to checking whether your duck eggs are bad, the first thing you need to do is inspect the shell for any signs of discoloration or cracks.

If you notice any cracks or abnormal coloring on the outside of your egg, it’s best not to use it as it could be contaminated with harmful bacteria like salmonella.

Cracks can also cause the inside of the egg to spoil faster since air and bacteria can easily enter through them.

Sniff The Egg

One way to tell if a duck egg has gone bad is by using your sense of smell. If the egg emits a foul odor, it’s likely spoiled and should not be eaten.

However, keep in mind that fresh duck eggs may have a slightly different smell than chicken eggs due to their larger size and different protein composition.

Overall, while storing duck eggs in the refrigerator can help prolong their shelf life compared to keeping them at room temperature, proper storage and handling practices are key to ensuring their safety for consumption.

Float test

One easy way to tell if your duck eggs are still fresh is by doing the float test. This test is done by placing the egg in a bowl of water and observing whether it sinks or floats.

If the egg sinks to the bottom and stays there, it’s likely still fresh enough to eat. However, if it starts to float or stand on end, then it may have gone bad.

The reason why a floating egg indicates that it’s gone bad is due to something called the bloom.

How Long Do Duck Eggs Last At Room Temperature?

Unlike chicken eggs, duck eggs have a thicker protective shell that can help them last longer at room temperature.

However, it’s still recommended to store them in a cool and dry place to prolong their freshness.

If kept at room temperature (around 68-72°F), unwashed duck eggs can last up to 2 weeks.

Unwashed duck eggs can last up to two weeks without refrigeration (depending on storage conditions), we highly recommend storing them in a clean container inside your fridge for maximum freshness and safety reasons.

How Long Do Duck Eggs Last In The Fridge?

If you plan on consuming your duck eggs over a longer period of time, refrigeration is the safest and most effective way to preserve their freshness.

When stored properly in the refrigerator, duck eggs can last up to 5-6 weeks before they start to lose quality.

To ensure your duck eggs stay fresh in the fridge, it’s best to store them unwashed in a covered container or carton with the pointed end facing downwards.

Storing them pointy side down helps prevent air pockets from forming inside the egg which could lead to spoilage or bacterial growth.

How Long Do Washed Duck Eggs Last?

If you’ve washed your duck eggs, it’s important to store them properly to maximize their shelf life.

While unwashed duck eggs can last for weeks when stored at room temperature, washed duck eggs need to be refrigerated to maintain their freshness.

When stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below, washed and refrigerated duck eggs can last up to several months.

However, if you don’t have access to a fridge or choose not to refrigerate your washed duck eggs for any reason, they should still be safe for consumption for up to two weeks when kept at room temperature.

Tips For Storing Duck Eggs

If you’re not planning to use your duck eggs right away, it’s important to store them properly so they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing duck eggs:

• Keep eggs out of direct sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can cause the shells to become brittle and weaken the protective bloom on the outside of the shell.
• Store eggs in a cool, dry place: The ideal temperature range is 45-50°F (7-10°C), which is cooler than room temperature but warmer than most refrigerators. A pantry or cellar can work well.
• Clean eggs with a damp cloth before storing: If there’s any dirt or debris on the shells, wipe it off gently with a damp cloth. Don’t wash them under running water unless you’re ready to use them immediately, as this can remove their protective bloom and make them more susceptible to bacteria.
• Don’t wash eggs until you’re ready to use them: As mentioned above, washing removes the natural protective layer present on eggshells called “bloom”. This exposes pores in eggshells that are large enough for bacteria inside an egg to move through into the white of an egg.

By following these tips, your duck eggs should stay fresh for several weeks when stored at room temperature.

Keep Eggs Out Of Direct Sunlight

When storing duck eggs, it’s important to keep them out of direct sunlight.

Sunlight can cause the temperature inside the egg to rise, which can encourage bacteria growth and spoilage.

It’s also a good idea to store your eggs in a cool, dry place that is away from any strong odors.

Store Eggs In A Cool, Dry Place

Duck eggs can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks if they haven’t been washed.

If you’ve washed your duck eggs, they should be refrigerated immediately and consumed within a week or two.

To prolong the shelf life of your duck eggs, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

This will prevent the growth of bacteria inside the shell and help maintain their freshness for longer.

Clean Eggs With A Damp Cloth Before Storing

Before storing your duck eggs, it’s important to clean them properly to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the surface of the shell.

Contrary to popular belief, washing eggs with water can actually increase the risk of bacterial contamination since it removes a protective layer called the cuticle.

Instead, simply wipe each egg with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any visible dirt or debris.

Avoid using soap or any cleaning agents as they can also damage the shell and make it more susceptible to bacteria.

Once cleaned, store your duck eggs in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

Watch Video: Do Duck Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?

Don’t Wash Eggs Until You’re Ready To Use Them

It’s important to note that washing duck eggs can actually do more harm than good.

Unlike chicken eggs, duck eggs have a protective coating called the “bloom” on their shells.

This bloom helps keep bacteria out of the egg and keeps it fresh for longer.

When you wash a duck egg, you remove this protective covering, making it more susceptible to bacteria growth.

Additionally, if water gets inside the shell during washing, it can also increase the likelihood of bacteria growth.

Simply wipe off any dirt or debris with a dry cloth or sandpaper before storing them in an egg carton.

Bottom Line: Do Duck Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?

Whether or not you should refrigerate your duck eggs depends on a few factors.

If the eggs have been washed, it’s recommended to store them in the refrigerator to prevent any bacteria from growing on the shells.

However, if they’re still unwashed and fresh from production, they can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or longer.

Overall following proper storage techniques is key when it comes to keeping your duck eggs safe to eat.

Make sure they’re stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight and keep them clean by wiping them down with a damp cloth before storing.

By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious tasting duck eggs without having to worry about any potential health risks.

FAQs