Soft boiled eggs are a delicious and nutritious food, but like any perishable food, they have a limited shelf life. How long soft boiled eggs stay fresh and safe to eat depends on how they are stored. With proper storage, soft boiled eggs can last up to 10 days past the cooking date before going bad. However, there are some risks associated with eating older eggs, so it’s important to check them carefully before eating. This article provides a detailed look at how long soft boiled eggs last, how to tell if they’ve gone bad, and whether it’s safe to eat them after 10 days.
How Long Do Soft Boiled Eggs Last?
Freshly cooked soft boiled eggs will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. Properly stored soft boiled eggs can last for 7-10 days past the cooking date before quality starts to decline. Here are some general guidelines for how long soft boiled eggs last refrigerated:
- In shell, cooked eggs: 7 days
- Peeled, cooked eggs: 3-4 days
- Soft boiled eggs in an airtight container: 7-10 days
The shelf life depends on both time and temperature control. Storing eggs at a consistent 40°F or below is ideal. Higher refrigerator temperatures will shorten the lifespan. Properly stored, soft boiled eggs will remain safe to eat for a week after cooking, but the whites may start drying out and the yolks become rubbery or develop a metallic taste. For best quality and flavor, it’s best to eat soft boiled eggs within 3-5 days.
What Makes Soft Boiled Eggs Go Bad?
Soft boiled eggs can go bad due to both microbial growth and chemical changes. Here are some of the main reasons soft boiled eggs spoil:
- Bacterial growth – Salmonella and other bacteria can grow even at refrigerator temperatures.
- Mold – Visible mold growing on peeled eggs means they should be discarded.
- Off-odors – A foul, rotten smell means eggs have spoiled.
- Texture changes – Watery whites and mushy, runny yolks are a sign of spoilage.
- Yolk discoloration – Greenish, grey, or brownish yolks indicate spoiled eggs.
- Gas buildup – Bulging or cracked eggshells can be caused by bacterial growth releasing gas.
The main factors that promote spoilage are warmth, age, cracks in the shell, and exposure to air. Soft boiled eggs kept past 10 days refrigerated may develop some of these signs of spoilage.
How to Tell if Soft Boiled Eggs are Bad After 10 Days
It can be difficult to know if refrigerated soft boiled eggs are still safe and good quality after 10 days. Here are some tips for checking if older soft boiled eggs are bad:
- Look for signs of spoilage like mold, discoloration, foul odors, or texture changes.
- Candle the egg by holding it up to a bright light. If the yolk looks dark or the white is very cloudy, it’s spoiled.
- Check the expiration or sell-by date. Don’t eat eggs more than 1-2 weeks past the date on the carton.
- Do the float test. Place eggs in a bowl of water – if they float, they’re bad.
- Take a small taste of egg. You’ll likely be able to tell right away if it has an off-flavor.
Any signs of sliminess, stickiness, unpleasant odors, or unnatural colors mean soft boiled eggs should be discarded after 10 days refrigerated. When in doubt, it’s always best to play it safe and throw eggs away rather than risk a foodborne illness.
Is it Safe to Eat Soft Boiled Eggs After 10 Days?
Can you still eat soft boiled eggs that have been refrigerated for over 10 days? The answer is maybe, but with extreme care.
Most food safety experts advise discarding hard boiled eggs after one week in the fridge. Since soft boiled eggs have both the shell and protective membranes removed, they have even less protection against spoilage. Eating soft boiled eggs past the 10 day mark can be risky.
That said, if soft boiled eggs have been continuously refrigerated below 40°F and there are no overt signs of spoilage, the odds of them being contaminated are low. Thorough cooking kills most bacteria, and refrigeration prevents further growth. But over time, the quality declines.
Here are some precautions if consuming older soft boiled eggs:
- Inspect carefully for any signs of spoilage.
- Never eat eggs with cracked shells.
- Cook eggs thoroughly until both yolks and whites are firm.
- Avoid serving raw or undercooked eggs to those with weaker immune systems such as young children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
At 10-14 days refrigerated, soft boiled eggs should be safe for most healthy adults to eat if they have been stored properly at 40°F or below. However, eating older eggs is not recommended due to increased risks of contamination. For highest safety and quality, soft boiled eggs are best consumed within 5 days of cooking.
How to Store Soft Boiled Eggs Safely
Proper storage is key to keeping soft boiled eggs fresh and safe to eat longer. Here are some tips for storing cooked soft boiled eggs:
- Refrigerate eggs in their shells immediately after cooking. Don’t let them sit out more than 2 hours.
- Place cooked eggs in an airtight container to help prevent odor absorption. Glass or plastic work well.
- If peeled, place eggs in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Make sure eggs are placed on a refrigerator shelf, not the door where temperature fluctuates.
- Consume eggs within 3-5 days for best quality and safety.
- Label the container with the boil date so you know how old they are.
Storing soft boiled eggs properly in the refrigerator can help extend their shelf life to up to 10 days past cooking. But it’s still best to eat them as soon as possible.
What to Do With Old Soft Boiled Eggs
Once soft boiled eggs reach 10-14 days in the refrigerator, it’s generally best to discard them. But if eggs haven’t shown obvious signs of spoilage, here are some safe uses for old soft boiled eggs rather than eating them straight:
- Make egg salad, since the mayonnaise can help offset any off flavors.
- Use in baked goods like cakes, cookies, or quick breads.
- Chop and add to casseroles, soups, or stews.
- Give eggshells as a calcium supplement to dogs or garden plants.
- Compost eggshells and spoiled eggs, as long as they’re not moldy.
Avoid serving older soft boiled eggs raw or undercooked. Always cook outdated eggs thoroughly until both yolks and whites are firm.
Can You Freeze Soft Boiled Eggs?
Freezing soft boiled eggs can extend their shelf life for several months. However, the texture and flavor will degrade over time in the freezer.
Here are some tips if you want to freeze soft boiled eggs:
- Freeze eggs in their shells for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- For peeled soft boiled eggs, coat lightly in oil or butter to prevent freezer burn. Place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll last 2-3 months frozen.
- Don’t freeze eggs out of their shells for more than 2 months for best quality.
- Use frozen soft boiled eggs in cooking and baking rather than eating them straight from frozen.
Freezing gives soft boiled eggs a longer shelf life compared to refrigerating. However, freezing can dry out the whites and make yolks more crumbly. It’s better to freeze eggs in shells than peeled. Properly frozen soft boiled eggs can stay safe indefinitely, but the quality and flavor will diminish over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get food poisoning from 2-week old eggs?
Yes, there is an increased risk of food poisoning from eating eggs that are more than 2 weeks old. Bacteria like salmonella can start multiplying even at refrigerator temperatures. Older eggs are more likely to be contaminated and cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting if undercooked.
Do boiled eggs need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s important to refrigerate boiled eggs to prevent bacterial growth. Store cooked eggs in their shells in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Soft boiled peeled eggs and deviled eggs must also be refrigerated. Keep boiled eggs stored at or below 40°F.
Can you eat soft boiled eggs with gray yolks?
Gray yolks are a sign that soft boiled eggs have gone bad and should not be eaten. The gray color comes from hydrogen sulfide gas produced as eggs age and spoil. While not necessarily dangerous, eggs with gray yolks will have an unpleasant sulfur taste and should be discarded.
Do soft boiled eggs taste different after 7 days?
Yes, soft boiled eggs can start to taste different after a week as the quality declines. The whites may become more rubbery and watery while the yolks get flatter and less yellow. Off-flavors like metal or sulfur can develop. While still safe to eat, soft boiled eggs won’t taste as fresh after 7+ days in the fridge.
Can you microwave old eggs?
It’s not recommended to microwave eggs more than a week old. The cooking process doesn’t necessarily make them safer. Any bacteria present can survive microwaving. Old eggs are also more prone to exploding in the microwave due to gases released as they spoil. It’s safer to cook older eggs thoroughly on the stovetop or bake them in recipes.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the short answer about enjoying soft boiled eggs after 10 days:
– Refrigerated soft boiled eggs stay fresh up to 10 days from cooking, but best when eaten within 5 days.
– Signs like mold, slime, off-smells, or color changes mean eggs are spoiled after 10 days.
– With careful inspection and proper cooking, eggs 10-14 days old are probably safe for healthy adults, but there’s an increased risk of foodborne illness.
– For highest safety and quality, soft boiled eggs are best eaten within a week of cooking.
– Store eggs refrigerated in air-tight containers to maximize freshness.
– Frozen soft boiled eggs can be kept much longer, but the texture fares better in shells compared to peeled.
So in summary, while not ideal, you can likely safely eat properly handled soft boiled eggs for 10 days, but they are at peak quality when enjoyed fresh within 5 days of cooking. When in doubt, remember the motto “when warm, gone bad; when cold, still gold.” Discard eggs that have any foul odor or appearance to be cautious.
