How to Store Eggs Without a Carton?
The most common way to purchase eggs is through an egg carton…. These are made of paper or plastic and hold one dozen (or sometimes more)…. Eggs are usually sold this way because they are easier to carry than other types of containers such as baskets, trays, or boxes with dividers for each individual egg.
But, if you think that eggs need to be stored in a carton, then you’re wrong…. There are other ways to store eggs without a carton…. It is important to store them well so that they don’t spoil easily.
In fact, as long as you keep your eggs in one piece — which we’ll get into in a moment — storing them doesn’t require anything beyond the shells they come in.
Let’s look at a few egg storage ideas…
10 Ways to Store Eggs Without a Carton
Have you ever forgotten to buy the cartons that eggs come in? It’s not a big deal, because egg cartons are basically just there to protect the eggs…. There are tons of things around the house that will serve that function just as well.
1. Egg Racks
An egg rack is another method for storing your eggs…. You could also use a muffin tin instead of an egg rack if you don’t have one on hand…. Just make sure that you don’t stack them too high or they might get crushed by the lid of your refrigerator.
2…. In an egg tray
Trays are another popular way to purchase eggs…. They come in many shapes and sizes, from rectangular flat pieces of wood or plastic with small holes for each individual egg to round mesh ones like those used for tomatoes or strawberries at grocery stores…. Some trays even have compartments that separate two rows of eggs (six on top and six on bottom).
These types tend to be more expensive than other methods because they require more materials when being manufactured – but they’re also less likely breakable during transportation home from the market!
Store eggs in the refrigerator – The ideal temperature for storing eggs is 33 to 38 degrees F…. Check the temperature of your refrigerator by keeping a thermometer inside it…. If it’s colder than this temperature, move the egg storage container farther away from the fan or coil inside the fridge…. This will ensure an even temperature throughout the egg storage container.
The egg tray that comes with most refrigerators has raised ridges that may damage delicate egg membranes, so don’t use it as storage and place them on one of its sides instead.
3. Egg dispenser
An egg dispenser is a great way to store eggs in the refrigerator, simply because it keeps them organized and visible…. The dispenser has a vertical design that lets you choose which egg you want to use by pulling one out of the bottom, much like a tissue box…. It’s also easy to clean, as you can throw it in the top rack of your dishwasher when it gets dirty.
4…. Egg baskets
If your house has a rustic theme, then an egg basket is the perfect way to store your eggs…. These baskets typically have openings on the top so that air can circulate and keep the eggs cool…. They also come in different sizes and colors — some are even made out of wicker or metal — so they’ll blend in well with any decor style.
5…. Cardboard box
If you don’t have an egg carton, then a cardboard box will work just fine…. Just make sure that it’s not made of corrugated cardboard — this should be pretty easy to tell at a glance since corrugated cardboard has a wave-like pattern on one side of its surface while regular cardboard is flat on both sides.
Also, avoid using pizza boxes since these may still have traces of oil on them that could soak into your eggs and cause them to spoil more quickly.
6…. Egg plates
If you want to store your eggs on the countertop in your kitchen, egg plates are a good option…. These plates come in different designs and colors, so they’re sure to fit in with your decor style…. You can even find some that are made out of ceramic or stoneware if you want something durable that will last a long time.
7…. Open containers
If you have a container with an open-top, such as a bowl or dish, then it can work as an egg holder just fine.
Paper towel-lined bowl – A bowl lined with paper towels is one of the best ways to store eggs without a carton…. All you have to do is layer the bottom of the bowl with paper towels and then place each egg on top of them…. The paper towels will soak up any moisture and keep the eggs cool.
8…. Plastic bags
Plastic bags are the cheapest way to store eggs without using a carton…. You can buy them in bulk at stores like Walmart, Target, or even grocery stores that sell eggs…. They come in different sizes and colors (including clear), so they can suit any decor style.
9. Paper cups
If you have a few empty paper cups lying around the house (like from the office water cooler), you can use those as makeshift egg carriers…. To do this, first, fill each cup with about 1/4 cup of water…. Then set an egg carefully inside each cup — make sure not to crack it — and place them all in the fridge or another cool place until you’re ready to eat them.
10…. In an egg box
This is probably the most common option for storing eggs on the countertop or in the fridge if you don’t want to use a carton…. It’s also my favorite option for camping because it keeps the shells from getting scratched up.
In summary, while most people don’t think of eggs as being fragile, they are actually quite delicate…. You can easily crack them if you handle them wrong or do store them improperly.
Since an egg carton is specifically designed to protect your eggs while they’re stored in the fridge, it makes sense that you would want to find a substitute if you’re out of or have run out of cardboard cartons.
But it is possible to safely store eggs without a carton…. While there are plenty of storage options available at your local grocery store — from plastic tubs to reusable silicone trays — you don’t need to spend any extra money on these if you don’t want to…. Instead, you can use items that are already in your home to keep your eggs safe from damage.
You may also be interested in… Do Pickled Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated? and Stores Like Kroger
