Never take eggs out of the carton: Reason will surprise you

Why you should store eggs in their cardboard carton

Instead of taking eggs out of their original packaging and throwing the carton away, it's best to keep them in the box they came in. Store the carton toward the back of the refrigerator.

The original carton is the best place to store eggs because it helps protect them and keeps them in a more stable environment.

Eggs should be stored on a refrigerator shelf, not in the door or the built-in egg tray, where temperatures fluctuate every time the fridge is opened and closed.

Although eggshells are hard enough to protect the whites and yolks, they are also porous, meaning they can absorb strong odors from the refrigerator and nearby foods.

It helps prevent eggs from cracking

The original carton not only prevents eggs from absorbing odors, but also protects their structure and helps ensure you don't accidentally use an expired egg.

It also reduces the risk of eggs breaking. Cardboard cartons are specially designed to keep eggs properly stored and fresh.

The cartons hold eggs in the standard storage position — pointed end down and rounded end up — helping stabilize the egg and keep the air cell at the top.

If an eggshell has tiny cracks or contamination, the carton also helps limit contact between eggs and other foods. In addition, it reduces moisture loss, helping eggs stay fresh for longer.

How to store eggs properly

Eggs are a nutritious food, but they need to be stored correctly to remain fresh and safe to eat.

The best place to keep eggs is in the refrigerator at a temperature between 0°C and 4°C (32°F–39°F). Leaving them at room temperature, especially during warm weather, encourages bacterial growth and shortens their shelf life.

It's best to keep eggs in their original cardboard carton. The carton protects the shells from damage, odors, and sudden temperature changes. Experts also advise against storing eggs in the refrigerator door, since the temperature there changes every time the door is opened.

There's also no need to wash eggs before refrigerating them. The shell has a natural protective coating that helps prevent bacteria from entering the egg. Washing removes this layer and can cause eggs to spoil more quickly. They should only be washed immediately before cooking