Food expert gives verdict on whether eggs should be kept in fridge

Eggs are a staple part of our diet - whether you like them fried, boiled or scrambled, there are lots of delicious recipes we can follow to make them taste gorgeous. However, when it comes to trying to keep them fresh, this can be a totally different task.

For years people have debated whether it's best to store the food staple in the fridge or at room temperature, and now we may just have the answer. According to an expert, there's one food storage hack you should always follow to keep your eggs in good condition, and you may be surprised to hear what her top tips are.

Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Developer at HelloFresh, says there are a few rules you need to follow. With thousands of followers on Instagram, Hellofresh is one brand you may want to listen to when it comes to foodie advice, especially as Mimi has many food storage tips.

The expert said: "Eggs are mostly kept at room temperature in the UK. This is because eggs aren't washed for sale and have a natural protective coating that helps to keep them fresh for longer.

"Freezing eggs can be a simple and effective way to reduce food waste in your kitchen. To get the most out of your frozen eggs, [try] whisking in a bowl first and pouring into a clean ice cube tray."

Mimi advises against freezing eggs still in the shell, as the yolk and whites will expand when frozen, causing the exterior to crack, and could make it challenging to defrost. Get ahead withmeal prepping by freezing cooked eggs, either scrambled, poached or as an omelette. To defrost, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

So, according to Mimi, eggs are actually best kept in the freezer when it comes to ensuring they stay fresher for longer. It's not the fridge you need to turn to, according to the expert.

Though eggs are sold at room temperature at supermarkets, it's generally advised people keep them in the fridge if they don't wish to freeze them. This is because, while UK eggs are not routinely washed and retain their natural protective cuticle, refrigeration still helps maintain freshness and prevents bacterial growth, especially if there are temperature fluctuations.

Refrigeration will help to avoid salmonella growth, which can occur when eggs are exposed to temperature changes. It also offers a more consistent, cool temperature, which limits the risk of condensation, which can boost bacteria growth on the shell.

It's also important to take note of the best before date on the carton. Refrigeration can help ensure the eggs stay within that timeframe.

Mimi has also shared other handy food storage tips in the past. For example, she said there's a simple way to look after your potatoes properly.

If you want to keep them fresh, she said: "Keep your spuds in a cool, dark, dry place versus the fridge. A cold fridge can turn the starch to sugar, affecting the potatoes' taste and texture.

"Also avoid direct sunlight, as this causes potatoes to turn green and keep them separate from your onions, as onions can release gases that cause potatoes to spoil faster. Potatoes are best frozen once cooked, and tend to not freeze as well in their raw state.

"You can safely freeze chips, wedges, roasted, baked and even mashed. The same goes for sweet potatoes too. Raw potatoes have a high water content, meaning they can become mushy and lose their taste after defrosting."

These tips should help to keep your food as fresh as possible. Remember them the next time you go shopping.