You Need To Take Your Eggs Out Of The Freezer. Here's Why
Eggs are nutritious and a great source of protein. They are chock full of vitamins and antioxidants. Eggs have even been called the "perfect food" because they have a little bit of everything (via Healthline). So, it seems logical you would have this staple in your refrigerator to make in the morning for breakfast, or to add to your favorite cookie recipe. But what can you do if your eggs are approaching their expiration date, and you don't want them to go to waste? Eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for three to five weeks, but according to the Food and Drug Administration, eggs should never be placed in the freezer.
While your freezer can prolong the shelf life of many of your favorite foods, trying to freeze your eggs in their shells just doesn't work for a number of reasons, the first of which has to do with your health. The problem with trying to freeze eggs in their shell centers around the expansion of the liquid inside. When the egg white expands, the likelihood of the shell cracking increases exponentially, and instead of being able to use these eggs at a future date, you have to toss them as they risk bacterial contamination (via Healthline). But that's not the only reason you don't want to freeze eggs in their shells.
Types of eggs that can be frozen
Shells cracking and causing contamination to your eggs is only part of the problem when you try to freeze eggs in their shells. The freezing process can also change the egg's texture, and not for the better. When you thaw the egg, you will find the yolks have thickened and become almost gelatin-like, making it difficult to blend the egg white and the yolk when you are ready to use it. In addition to eggs in their shells, you should also skip making large batches of hard or soft-boiled eggs to store in the freezer. They too can crack, and worse, the egg whites can turn rubbery (via Eat This,Not That).
However, if you remove the shell, there are some eggs you can freeze. Raw egg whites can be frozen. In fact, freezing may even increase their foaming ability, which could come in handy if you are making a meringue. Raw egg yolks and whites that have been whisked together can also be frozen. If you freeze your egg yolks, it is suggested you add some sugar or salt beforehand to help maintain their normal texture when you thaw them. Additionally, most of your cooked egg dishes can be frozen, including your favorite quiche Lorraine.