Refrigerating egg yolks is the best way to keep egg yolks for an extended period of time.
But how long do egg yolks last in the fridge?
In reality, it is tough to determine a specific timeframe for egg yolks in the fridge because so many factors come into play from the temperature of the fridge to handling.
But generally, egg yolks can last in the fridge for up to three days.
Egg yolks, however, should never be frozen unless they are mixed with sugar or another additive to keep them from sticking together.
If you are planning to freeze your egg yolks, this is something that you need to consider.
But if you will use the egg yolks within a few hours, then it is better to refrigerate than freeze them.
How long should leftover egg yolks be stored?
Leftover egg yolks should be stored for up to four days in the refrigerator after being taken out of the shell.
It was once commonly believed that egg yolks should never be refrigerated because refrigeration would cause the yolk to become thick and cloudy.
However, refrigerating egg yolks is actually a good way of keeping them fresh for extended periods of time.
Refrigerated egg yolks should be well sealed to prevent the entry of bacteria or other contaminants that may cause them to spoil.
Egg yolks stored in the freezer should be tightly sealed within a freezer bag to prevent the absorption of other food odors that may cause them to pick up a flavor or smell strange.
In this way, stored egg yolks will remain usable for up to four months.
Freezing egg yolk is a good way of preserving them if they are not being used right away.
Once thawed, egg yolks should not be refrozen as they may begin to pick up a fishy smell and this could make them unusable.
Can you freeze egg yolks?
Yes, egg yolks can be frozen.
Freezing egg yolks is a great way to make sure your family always has fresh eggs.
Refrigeration and freezing egg yolks both have benefits and risks though.
Refrigerating the egg yolks helps make sure they stay fresh but can cause a slight change in color and texture.
Refrigerating egg yolks is also less effective at preventing the risk of Salmonella, a serious type of food poisoning.
Lastly, refrigerating or freezing egg yolks is recommended for short-term use only.
Freezing egg yolks, on the other hand, is more effective at preventing the risk of Salmonella and keeping your egg yolks fresh longer.
However, freezing can also cause a slight change in color and texture and may change the way egg yolks mix into recipes.
How to freeze egg yolks?
Freezing egg yolks is simple and pretty straightforward.
To do so, first beat the yolks with a whisk or fork to break them up.
Then, add any liquid flavoring you want (this is optional).
For example, you can add salt to taste, sugar for added sweetness, jam/honey/syrup for added flavor, or vanilla essence/extract for added flavor.
Afterward, seal the mixture up in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible.
Also, be sure to label the container with the date or at least the number of egg yolks enclosed.
For added protection, be sure to wrap the container in another freezer-proof material for insulation.
Of course, you can store the mixture in any other freezer-proof container as well.
Freezing egg yolks is easy and done best in a freezer-safe container.
How long can I freeze egg yolks?
You can freeze egg yolks for up to 1 year without having to change the taste or texture of recipes that call for the egg yolks.
This works because egg yolks contain a lot of a protein known as avidin, which has the unique ability to bind to biotin in the body.
This binding essentially blocks the function of biotin, which is needed to metabolize fatty acids.
The body can’t function properly without fat metabolism, so the protein chains are broken and the biotin returns to its normal state.
You don’t need to worry about the egg yolks going bad because of this process, either.
Egg yolks are actually more resistant to bacteria than fresh egg whites.
Final Thoughts
In summary, egg yolks can be stored in the fridge.
But how long do egg yolks last in the fridge?
Egg yolks can last in the fridge for up to three days if stored correctly.
Egg yolks can also be frozen. However, whatever storing process you use, it is important to remember that both could have an impact on egg yolks.
That said, I always recommend weighing the pros and cons of using either of the two storing procedures mentioned.
You can use this article as a future reference.
I hope this helps you make a better decision. To learn more about storing foods in the refrigerator, please feel free to visit my related posts here.
