Latest news with #HarperFineDining
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Eggs will stay fresher for longer and not go watery when stored in one place
A culinary expert has shared the best way to store eggs to make sure they don't go off and watery The debate on the best way to store eggs rages on, with some Brits favouring the fridge and others leaving them at room temperature. Unlike in the US, where eggs must be refrigerated due to a washing process that strips their natural coating, UK-packaged eggs don't require this – yet many in Britain still insist on keeping their eggs cool for extended freshness. Dean Harper of Harper Fine Dining, who skilfully marries classic French methods with contemporary trends, emphasises the importance of egg storage. He shared with that eggs "should definitely be stored in the fridge, but not just anywhere." Dean explained: "Warmer temperatures and frequent handling can speed up the decline of freshness-that's why it's said to treat your eggs gently. "On the other hand, keeping them consistently cold and undisturbed slows this down, and this method's stuck with me since my early culinary days." For optimal preservation, Dean advises storing eggs in the fridge, which should be maintained between three and five degrees Celsius (37F to 40F), reports the Express. He also pointed out that the "best spot" for eggs is within the main compartment of the fridge rather than the door. "Temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the door can cause the whites to break down faster. This is a tip I picked up ages ago, and it truly makes a difference," Dean revealed. Watery egg whites can be a sign of ageing, as eggs lose carbon dioxide and moisture over time. Dean pointed out: "As an egg ages, it starts to lose moisture, and this affects the texture. Such changes can be subtle, but even a few days can affect your poached eggs." But it's not all down to the fridge when it comes to keeping eggs in tip-top condition at home. Dean highlighted that F ortnum & Mason always stores its eggs in cartons, explaining: "That's key. The carton helps prevent the eggs from absorbing strong odours from other foods and shields them from light, which can break them down faster. "What fascinates me is that sometimes, the simplest steps are often overlooked, yet they make all the difference in food quality." British Lion Eggs experts also recommend sticking with traditional egg cartons rather than fancy holders or even the egg shelf in the fridge. The box not only safeguards the eggs but also displays the best-before date. However, Sophie Trueman, UK&I Country Director for Too Good To Go, cautions against using this date as an absolute guide for throwing away eggs. Sophie explained that these dates signal when eggs are at their optimal freshness, noting that Best Before dates are more about quality than safety, unlike Use by or Expiry dates, which have stricter implications. A sniff test will tell you if an egg has gone bad once cracked open. Fresh eggs should smell neutral and clean, so if there's a whiff of sulphur or any foul smell, it's safer to bin the egg. If the egg appears and smells alright, you can move on to a small taste test. Whip up a tiny bit and give it a try before deciding to consume the entire egg.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Chef shares secret on 'best spot' to store eggs to stop whites turning watery
Eggs are a staple ingredient in most people's diets, but how you store them can affect their freshness. A chef has shared the best spot to keep eggs to stop the whites turning watery The debate on proper egg storage has stirred quite the conversation between those preferring to chill their eggs and others who stand by room-temperature storage. Unlike in the US, where eggs are washed and sanitised thereby requiring refrigeration, UK packaged eggs retain their natural protective coating, yet many Brits staunchly support keeping eggs in the fridge for extended freshness. Mastering a fusion of classical French cooking and contemporary gastronomy, Dean Harper of Harper Fine Dining is well versed in the science of food and ingredient preservation. He insists that eggs "should definitely be stored in the fridge, but not just anywhere." Speaking with the Express, he advised: "Warmer temperatures and frequent handling can speed up the decline of freshness-that's why it's said to treat your eggs gently." Emphasising consistent, undisturbed coolness for preserving egg quality, Dean shared a tip from his experiences: "On the other hand, keeping them consistently cold and undisturbed slows this down, and this method's stuck with me since my early culinary days." He strongly champions storing eggs in the colder climes of the fridge, recommended to be between three and five degrees Celsius (37F to 40F), for maintaining egg integrity. Revealing his insight into the ultimate refrigeration tactic, Dean highlights that the "best spot" for eggs is not the fridge door but the main compartment. Concluding his storage wisdom, Dean said: "Temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the door can cause the whites to break down faster. This is a tip I picked up ages ago, and it truly makes a difference", he divulged. Watery egg whites can occur as eggs become older, losing carbon dioxide and moisture. Dean added, "As an egg ages, it starts to lose moisture, and this affects the texture. Such changes can be subtle, but even a few days can affect your poached eggs." Preserving eggs in the fridge involves more than just temperature control. Dean pointed out that at Fortnum & Mason, eggs are always stored in cartons, explaining, "That's key. The carton helps prevent the eggs from absorbing strong odours from other foods and shields them from light, which can break them down faster." The food expert remarked, "What fascinates me is that sometimes, the simplest steps are often overlooked, yet they make all the difference in food quality." Egg storage experts at British Lion Eggs also advocate for using traditional egg cartons instead of trendy holders or even the fridge's dedicated egg shelf. The carton not only provides protection but also displays the best-before date, a guide to freshness rather than an absolute indicator for disposal, according to Sophie Trueman, UK&I Country Director at Too Good To Go. Sophie explains that Best Before dates suggest when eggs are most fresh, offering more leeway than Use by or Expiry dates that are tied to food safety. A bad egg becomes obvious once cracked open; it should smell neutral and clean. If there's a sulphur-like or foul odour, it's safer to bin the egg. If the egg appears and smells normal, you can carry out a small taste test. Whip up a tiny bit and give it a try before deciding to consume the entire egg.
