How Long Do Duck Eggs Last In The Fridge? Answered!

Duck eggs are a delicious and nutritious alternative to chicken eggs, and they can be used in a variety of recipes. Unlike chicken eggs, many people are unsure of how long duck eggs last in the fridge.

Duck eggs can last in the fridge for three weeks, but their shelf life can vary depending on how they are stored.

To maximize their freshness, it is recommended to store duck eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40° F in their original carton or in an airtight container.

In this blog we will explore this question How Long Do Duck Eggs Last In The Fridge? and the shelf life of duck eggs and how to properly store them to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible.

How Long Do Duck Eggs Last In The Fridge?

Duck eggs can last for about 3-4 months in the refrigerator. If you want to cook them, they are best used within 1-2 days of being laid.

Duck eggs usually have a richer flavor than chicken eggs and increase your dishes’ protein content while boosting their taste.

Here are some tips for storing duck eggs in the fridge:

Store them pointy end down, blunt end up. This keeps the air pocket inside of the egg away from yolk, protecting it from bacteria and prolonging the shelf life.

Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Keep them in the back or middle shelf of the fridge, away from foods with strong odors.
To test the freshness of your duck eggs, put the egg in a glass of water.

If it sinks, it is okay to eat. If it floats, it is not fresh and should not be eaten.

Nutritional Values Of Duck Eggs

Duck eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and selenium. They are also richer in flavor compared to chicken eggs, making them perfect for baking or cooking.

It is crucial to keep in mind that duck eggs have a higher fat content than chicken eggs which makes them more perishable if not stored properly.

Shelf Life Of Duck Eggs

The shelf life of duck eggs depends on a few different factors, including whether they are washed or unwashed, how they are stored, and the temperature at which they are stored.

1. Unwashed duck eggs:

Unwashed duck eggs can last for up to 3 weeks at room temperature and up to 3 months in the refrigerator. This is because the shell of an unwashed duck egg has a natural protective layer called a bloom that helps to keep bacteria out.

2. Washed duck eggs:

Washed duck eggs will only last for about 1-2 weeks at room temperature and up to 5 weeks in the refrigerator. This is because the bloom is washed away when the eggs are washed, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria.

3. Storage temperature:

The storage temperature also affects the shelf life of duck eggs. Duck eggs will last longer if they are stored in a cool, dark place.

How To Tell If A Duck Egg Has Gone Bad?

To tell if a duck egg has gone bad, you can perform a sniff test. If the egg smells bad or rotten, it’s best to discard it immediately.

If there are any cracks or leaks in the eggshell, it should also be thrown away as bacteria can enter through the openings.

It’s crucial to handle and store duck eggs properly to prevent any foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.

Do Duck Eggs Need To Be Refrigerated?

Duck eggs should be refrigerated to ensure their freshness and prevent any foodborne illnesses. The USDA recommends storing eggs at a temperature of 40° F or below to keep them safe to eat.

Since duck eggs have a higher fat content than chicken eggs, they are more perishable if not stored properly. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the recommended storage guidelines mentioned above for maximum freshness.

Why Are Eggs Refrigerated?

It is essential to handle and store eggs properly to prevent any contamination that could lead to illness. When buying eggs, always check the sell-by date and make sure they are not cracked or leaking.

Once you get home, store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 F or lower. Remember to keep your fridge clean and sanitized regularly to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.

How Long Will Washed Duck Eggs Last In The Fridge?

If duck eggs have been washed, their protective coating is removed and they are more susceptible to spoilage. Washed duck eggs can last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if stored properly at a temperature of 40 F or below.

Why You Should Not Wash Your Duck Eggs?

Washing duck eggs before storing them in the fridge can increase the risk of bacterial growth and reduce their shelf life.

Duck eggs have a natural protective coating on their shells called the bloom or cuticle, which acts as a barrier against bacteria and moisture.

When you wash duck eggs, you remove this protective layer, making them more vulnerable to contamination.

Keeping Eggs in the Fridge

1. Store Them In The Fridge Door

While it may be tempting to store your duck eggs in the fridge door for easy access, this is not the best place to keep them.

The temperature in the fridge door is often warmer and fluctuates more than the rest of the fridge, which can lead to quicker spoilage.

It’s best to store your duck eggs on a shelf in the main part of the fridge, where the temperature is more consistent.

2. Place Them In A Carton

To keep your duck eggs fresh and safe to eat, always store them in their original carton or an airtight container. This will prevent any moisture or odors from being absorbed by the eggs and help to maintain their quality for longer periods.

If you don’t have the original carton, you can use another clean and dry egg carton or a food-grade container with a lid.

Be sure to label the container with the date of purchase or expiration, so you know how long they have been stored in the fridge.

3. Keep Them Away From Strong-smelling Foods

Another important tip for storing duck eggs in the fridge is to keep them away from strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and cheese. Duck eggshells are porous and can absorb these odors, which can affect their flavor and quality.

To prevent this from happening, store your duck eggs in a separate area of the fridge or use an airtight container to keep them isolated from other foods.

4. Use Them Within 5 Weeks

It’s best to use your duck eggs within 5 weeks of their purchase date to ensure their freshness and quality. As eggs age, their quality and flavor can deteriorate, and the risk of bacterial growth increases.

Always check the expiration or sell-by date on the carton and use them before that date. If you are unsure about the freshness of an egg, you can do a simple float test by placing it in a bowl of water.

If it sinks to the bottom and lies flat, it’s fresh. If it stands upright or floats to the top, it’s not as fresh and should be used as soon as possible.

Can You Put Fresh Duck Eggs In Fridge?

Always discard any eggs that have an unpleasant odor or appearance, as they may be spoiled and unsafe to eat.

By following these simple guidelines for storing and using duck eggs, you can safely enjoy their unique taste and nutritional benefits for longer periods.

Remember to always wash your hands before and after handling raw eggs and never consume them raw or undercooked.

Eggs should be cooked until the yolk is firm and the white is set to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.

So next time you come across some fresh duck eggs in the grocery store or at your local farmers’ market, don’t hesitate to try them out in new recipes!

Can Duck Eggs Be Frozen?

While it is possible to freeze duck eggs, it’s not recommended due to the risk of bacteria growth and changes in texture.

Freezing can cause the egg yolk to become thick and gel-like, which may not be desirable for some recipes.

If you do need to freeze your duck eggs, crack them into a bowl and whisk them together before pouring into an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and use within 6 months for best quality.

Thaw frozen duck eggs overnight in the fridge before using.

Do Frozen Eggs Taste Different?

Frozen duck eggs can have a slightly different texture and taste compared to fresh ones. Freezing can cause the egg white to become watery and the yolk to become thicker and gel-like.

This change in texture may not be suitable for all recipes, especially those that require a specific consistency. However, if you’re using frozen duck eggs in dishes like omelets or scrambled eggs, you may not notice much of a difference in taste.

It’s important to remember that freezing can also affect the nutritional content of duck eggs. To minimize nutrient loss, it’s best to consume them fresh or within 2 weeks of purchase if stored properly in the fridge.

Conclusion! How Long Do Duck Eggs Last In The Fridge?

Duck eggs can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge if properly stored. It’s best to use them within 5 weeks for optimal freshness and quality.

Always check the expiration date before consuming and perform a simple float test if you’re unsure whether the eggs are still fresh.

Remember to wash your hands before and after handling raw eggs and cook them thoroughly to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.

While it is possible to freeze duck eggs, it’s not recommended due to the risk of bacteria growth and changes in texture.

Frozen duck eggs can have a slightly different texture and taste compared to fresh ones, so it’s best to consume them fresh or within 2 weeks of purchase.

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