The maximum benefit of eggs can only be discussed if they are fresh. After lying in the fridge for a month, they lose their nutritional value and become hazardous to health. Once in the body, an expired product causes serious intoxication, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to be able to independently determine the degree of freshness of such a product and to understand the permissible duration of its suitability. Further in the article we will describe in detail what to look for when buying chicken and quail eggs, how long they can be stored and where to do it better.
How to understand if an egg is fresh: chicken and quail
The unique structure of the eggshell allows the interior to retain its beneficial properties for a long time. But for this, certain storage conditions are important. Otherwise, the inside of the product will begin to dry out, and a foul-smelling talker will form unsuitable for further use. 
There are many ways to test egg freshness at home. And for this, it is not at all necessary to carry a microscope and rare chemical reagents into the kitchen. You can judge the suitability of these products even in the store. Let's get into the details.
Did you know? Today, the largest producer of eggs in the world is the People’s Republic of China. About 160 million pieces of this product are produced there annually. Many experts attribute this to the fact that the chicken first appeared in this country. And it happened somewhere in the year 1400 BC.
At the time of buying
Experts advise not to make "blind" purchases. In their opinion, the visual assessment of the goods is important. Therefore, having gone for eggs to the supermarket or to the market, inspect them carefully. Recently demolished specimens will compare favorably with the matte surface of the shell. But those that have already lain for several days will be characterized by a specific glossy shine. But to focus only on this method of verification is not worth it. Experts warn that savvy sellers resort to various tricks in order to successfully sell products. One of these is rubbing or washing each specimen. 
In order for the purchase not to disappoint unpleasantly smelling substance, When choosing an egg tray, compare it with the rest of the range.. Ideally, the entire dozen should have the same color and degree of gloss of the shell. If you face a diverse set, most likely the seller mixed old and fresh eggs. Smell them. In badly expired boxes, there will be a sharp unpleasant smell.
Important! The shell of a fresh egg has a specific smell, which is very similar to lime.
It does not hurt to also shake a raw egg. If you hear a clear talk inside, you should refuse to buy. After all, talkers are not suitable for use.
Do not ignore specified on products. shelf life. By informing you about this, the manufacturer guarantees the freshness of the product, provided that it is properly stored. Always choose only fresh products and try to use them before the date indicated on the package expires. 
When cooking
Many consumers are not serious about stamps on egg trays and continue to eat expired goods. According to experts, in fact, he still retains its suitability for a short time. But before using it, freshness needs to be rechecked.
This is done in the following ways:
- Dip the product in a container with cold water. A sign of good quality is the total settling to the bottom. If the egg is slightly raised with a blunt end to the surface, it is not the first freshness, but is suitable for dough and hot dishes. When you have witnessed his rise to the surface, such an instance is best thrown away.
- Shake the egg. At the same time, a quality product should not have any bursts and flaps. The presence of such sounds means that a lot of air has been ingested, from which the albumen and yolk have deteriorated. This is already unsuitable food.
Important! Eggs are a source of salmonellosis, so they need to boil for at least 5 minutes in boiling water. Keep in mind that Salmonella bacteria lose their viability at a temperature of +70 ° C.
Video: Checking eggs for freshness with water
Check eggs for freshness is also possible with the help of ovoskop. This device will help to detect defects inside the egg: the presence of stains, mold, damage to the shell.
At showdown
Break the shell and visually assess the condition of the inside. In recently removed specimens, the protein will be viscous and tightly harvested, and the yolk will be convex. If the egg lay for a long time, then you will see liquid spreading protein and a flat yolk. 
What is the danger
In society, the stereotype about the exceptional benefits of chicken and quail eggs is clearly ingrained. But if the rules of their storage were violated, then it is not necessary to speak about the nutritional value of this protein food and saturation of the body with vital substances. In this case, as evidenced by medical statistics, it will be about poisoning and its consequences.
In addition, improper culinary processing of eggs, the use of dirty dishes, as well as infected kitchen equipment threatens the development of salmonellosis. The bacteria that provoke this disease live in egg white, yolk and on the shell. Their source is a hen. Moreover, according to external signs, even experts cannot recognize infected specimens. This will not give the color of the shell, no smell, or other visual features of the product.
Did you know? The Chinese paint the eggs red every time a newborn appears in the family. According to folk lore, such a ritual guarantees a baby a long and happy life..
When using expired or infected eggs hazardous to health are: homemade mayonnaise, raw sugar-egg mixture (protein or yolk), as well as all dishes that have undergone insufficient heat treatment. It can be eggs, poached eggs and even traditional scrambled eggs. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend to strictly monitor the shelf life of such products and prepare them at high temperatures. 
Signs of egg intoxication become apparent during the first days after ingestion of poor-quality food.
At the feeder are observed:
- vomiting;
- nausea,
- weakness;
- abdominal pain;
- gastroenteritis that develops on the background of illness (when inflammation of the mucous membranes of the small intestine occurs);
- diarrhea (as a rule, the feces are very liquid, resemble rice water in consistency and are characterized by a dark green or yellow color);
- increase in body temperature to 39-40 °;
- bloating;
- signs of colitis resulting from inflammatory processes in the large intestine;
- cramps;
- decreased appetite;
- violation of the functional of the central nervous system (manifested in severe poisoning and is expressed by headaches, dizziness, insomnia, lethargy);
- malfunctions of the cardiovascular system (pressure decreases, pulse rate and cardiac rhythm change);
- bacterial infection and sepsis (with such symptoms, the outcome is lethal).
Important! In order to extend the shelf life of eggs at home, grease the shells with pork fat, vegetable oil or petroleum jelly and put them in a cold room where the temperature is below +10 ° C. As an alternative, you can wrap each piece with plain paper and fold it with sharp ends down and cover with sacking..
The manifestation of these symptoms depends largely on the immunity of the victim. But for any degree of egg poisoning, it is important to protect the body from dehydration. 
For this purpose, recommended:
- a solution of "Regidron" or "Oralit";
- any sorbents (activated carbon, "Smekta", "Polyphepan");
- immunomodulatory drugs (multivitamin complexes, "Methyluracil");
- antibiotics that are prescribed by a doctor individually;
- restriction of the use of dairy products, raw vegetables and smoked meats (it is desirable to provide a sparing diet to the patient during this period).
If after a day the disease continues to progress, you need, without losing time, seek medical help.
Find out how the eggshell and raw eggs are useful and harmful; Guinea fowl and quail eggs.
Shelf life of eggs
How long chicken and quail eggs will be fresh depends largely on their origin and storage conditions:
- if we are talking about industrial production, the useful life of such products is limited to 28-30 days;
- but homemade products can maintain their nutritional value throughout the quarter;
- if all the requirements for temperature and humidity in the room were met, then the fresh goods will not deteriorate even after a month (this applies to the cellars and the refrigerator);
- boiled eggs are suitable for 2 weeks (provided that they are hard boiled and stored in the refrigerator);
- when the cooked product is at room temperature, after 48 hours it can no longer be consumed;
- even in the fridge, boiled eggs after boiling spoil after 2 days;
- under any conditions, specimens with cracked shells are not subject to long storage (they are recommended to be used on the same day);
- if the shell cracked during the cooking process, such an instance may lie in the refrigerator for 4 days;
- in the case when you have harvested shelled eggs for some purpose, they should be used 3 days after being refrigerated;
- Easter eggs will not spoil for 15 days, provided that only natural dyes were used for them;
- But Easter eggs, which were dyed with chemical reagents, may not be suitable for more than 17 days;
- Easter copies in the thermal film should be eaten within 3 days.
Did you know? If you hold a regular fresh egg for a few days in 9% table vinegar, its shell will harden so much that it will not break even from a strong blow to the floor.
Where and how best to store eggs
To store such products, most consumers prefer a compartment in the refrigerator door. But experts on this occasion express their indignation, which is associated with a sharp temperature drop. In such conditions, the eggs quickly lose their nutritional value and do not represent any gastronomic value.
Experienced housewives are advised to choose for this kind of goods a place where it is always cold. In no case should not put the tray in the freezer.
Tips for poultry farmers: what to do if chickens carry small eggs or carry poorly, the rating of egg breed chickens, the period of egg production in pullets, vitamins for laying hens to increase egg production.
In a refrigerator
Be sure each piece should be fixed in a stable position with a sharp end down. It is important that the eggs do not touch. It is better to leave them in a special stand or tray, spreading them into cells. Do not forget to close the container, because the eggshell is very sensitive to adjacent odors. From the refrigerator, it absorbs everything nearby. 
Make sure that the temperature in the chamber is at the level of + 2 ... +4 ° С. Never wash the shell before storing it. Such manipulations reduce the useful life.
Important! When boiling eggs, do not throw the product out of the fridge into the boiling hot water. Give him about 10 minutes to warm up. This will preserve the integrity of the shell..
Without refrigerator
If you prefer this method, then be prepared that a fresh product when stored in room conditions with a temperature regime of +20 ° C must be consumed for 20 days. For better preservation, the eggs are laid in wooden crates, after which they fall asleep. sand, sawdust or saltCover with natural fabric and hide in a dark place. It is important that the room has good ventilation.
Some poultry owners advise that egg storage should be treated with a salty brine, which is prepared in proportion: 20 grams of salt per 1 liter of water. In this form, they will be suitable for 4 weeks. 
Check for freshness and storage of eggs: reviews
Now you know that eggs require a serious attitude to the choice of purchased goods and storage conditions. Ignoring these basic requirements, you can undermine your health and your loved ones. We hope our article will help you to avoid such risks.
