Exact Answer: 7 Days

Eggs are one of the world’s most basic yet delicious proteins. They are delicious on their own, in a breakfast casserole, or several baked recipes. A lot of people are big fans of hard-boiled eggs. Many of you might prefer hard-boiled eggs to soft-boiled eggs. Well, hard-boiled eggs are a healthy snack or part of a balanced meal that can be kept on hand.

They do, however, have a lower shelf life than fresh eggs, which may come as a surprise. Well, is it that you boiled eggs for a big party or meal and now left with many boiled eggs that were not eaten? Are you wondering how long those boiled eggs will last? This article shows how long hard-boiled eggs may last.

How Long Are Hard Boiled Eggs Good For

How Long Are Hard Boiled Eggs Good For?

State Of Hard-boiled EggsShelf Life
Peeled Hard-boiled Eggs5 Days
Unpeeled Hard-boiled Eggs7 Days

If you have cooled down the Hard-cooked eggs and put them in the refrigerator without peeling, you have done a great job. This is because unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can survive for seven days in the fridge. Peeled hard-cooked eggs stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3-4 days due to the moist egg white surface being exposed and the potential of microorganism growth.

Hard-boiled eggs can be securely stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days only if stored properly. It happens many times that you forget when you kept the hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator. Well, in that case, you can check the appearance of the eggs. If they look slimy, they are spoiled.

To be safe, toss out the egg if it is present. It’s crucial not to eat eggs that are past their best, as this puts you in danger of foodborne illness, which can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The odor of a rotten hard-boiled egg is unique and unpleasant. If the egg’s shell is still attached, you’ll have to crack it to examine the smell.

Boiled eggs in a glass bowl

When the yolk of a hard-boiled egg turns greenish-grey, many people become concerned. This does not, however, imply that your egg has gone bad. The color of the yolk varies based on the amount of time it is cooked and the temperature it is cooked at.

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When eggs are boiled for an extended period, the yolk grows lighter and eventually turns a greenish-grey tint. When you overcook an egg, the iron in the yolk reacts with the hydrogen sulfide in the white, resulting in this color. While the texture and mouthfeel may be affected, the food is safe to eat.

Why Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last That Long?

The main reason why hard-boiled eggs last only that long is because they are easily prone to bacteria. While raw eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 weeks, hard-boiled eggs cannot. Because eggshells are permeable, bacteria can easily enter them. That’s why they’re protected from injury by a layer of cuticle.

Moreover, hard-boiled eggs will only last two hours at room temperature. So, eat hard-boiled eggs as soon as possible after cooking or taking them out of the fridge. And if you are not able to finish them, put them in the refrigerator immediately.

Furthermore, suppliers put oil on the shells of the eggs to further protect them from dangerous chemicals. This extends the life of the product. When you boil them, however, the cuticle layer dissolves and the artificial coating is washed away, drastically limiting their shelf life.

Refrigerating hard-boiled eggs is the greatest approach to increase their shelf life. To keep them safe from moisture and contaminants, store them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated at all times. Don’t make the mistake of storing hard-boiled eggs in the freezer.

Boiled Eggs

For starters, freezing the egg will disrupt the cellular structure of the shell, reducing its shelf life. Second, even after defrosting, the egg whites become overly tough and rubbery. Throw them out if they become slimy at any stage.

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So, whenever you have leftover hard-boiled eggs, never leave them in the open as their shelf life is very short at room temperature. Always remember to keep hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator to save them from bacteria and getting spoiled.

Conclusion

Did you boil too many eggs that you were not able to eat all? Are you wondering how long those hard-boiled eggs last? Well, now you have the answer to all your questions. To keep your hard-boiled eggs safe and fresh, keep them refrigerated.

Within two hours of boiling, hard-boiled eggs should be placed in the fridge on an interior shelf rather than in the door. Hard-boiled eggs should not be peeled until they are ready to eat or prepare with. Hard-boiled eggs will keep for about a week if handled and kept appropriately.

Hard-boiled eggs should be kept in the fridge on the inside shelf and cooled within 2 hours of cooking. Store them unpeeled in an egg carton or an airtight container for the best results. So, there’s no need for you to worry anymore about hard-boiled eggs and their shelf life.

References

  1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/452216
  2. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7312/this14466-002/html
  3. https://journals.lww.com/corneajrnl/Fulltext/2007/02000/Effect_of_Warm_Compress_Therapy_From_Hard_Boiled.11.aspx