Here is some useful information about eggs. You can find out more at the Australian Eggs website here.

The easiest way to maintain eggs at high quality is to store them in their original carton in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchase. Cartons reduce water loss and protect flavours from other foods being absorbed into the eggs. Storing eggs loose, or in specially designed sections located on refrigerator doors is not recommended as this also exposes eggs to a greater risk of damage.

Fresh eggs can be kept refrigerated in their carton for 6 weeks from the date of pack. It is best to put eggs in the fridge as soon as you get them home, remember an egg ages 7 times quicker when left on the bench than when it is properly stored in the fridge. So to enjoy you fresh eggs for longer, please store them in the fridge.

To tell if an egg is raw or hard-boiled, spin it! If the egg spins easily, it is hard-boiled but if it wobbles, it is raw.

You can use your oldest eggs for baking cakes, quiches and frittatas.Fresh eggs are ideal for poaching and frying because they may not hold their shape. Older eggs can be useful for hard-boiling, scrambling, and making omelettes.

If hard-boiling, it is best to use eggs a few days old. The fresher the egg, the more likely the white will stick to the shell.

Like all perishable foods, eggs need to be handled carefully. Follow these suggestions to ensure that you handle and prepare eggs properly:

Always buy shell eggs that are clean and keep them refrigerated at home. When storing eggs in the refrigerator, keep eggs in the carton and at a reasonable distance from other strongly flavoured / smelling foods items.

For all perishable foods allow no more than two hours at room temperature for preparation and serving. Eggs should be cooked until the white is completely firm and the yolk begins to thicken. For best quality, use fresh eggs within the 'Best Before' date as stated on the carton. Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, cookware, and counter-tops with hot, soapy water after preparing raw animal products, including eggs.

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse providing 11 different vitamins and minerals, high quality protein, healthy fats (including omegas-3) and important antioxidants. Along with their nutritional value, eggs are tasty, convenient and good value for money making them an excellent part of a well balanced, healthy diet.