Many people are surprised to learn it is possible to freeze eggs. However, there are certain precautions that must be taken, as well as specific ways to go about preparing the eggs. If you are interested in learning how to freeze eggs, here are some tips to help you with the task.
First, it is not a good idea to freeze eggs in the shell. The shells can crack and allow air to reach the frozen contents of the shell. This will not only negatively impact the taste of the eggs; it can also increase the possibility of the egg spoiling and becoming the ideal vehicle for food poisoning. Also, never attempt to freeze the contents of a cracked egg. Only use undamaged eggs that are shelled when you choose to freeze extra eggs for later use.
A second rule of thumb is that you should only freeze eggs that are fresh. The frozen product will have the same health risks as any other eggs that are past their prime. All you will accomplish is delaying the use of expired eggs that should have been thrown out anyway. If you are not sure if an egg is fresh or not, err on the side of caution and get rid of the egg.
There are two approaches when it comes to learning how to freeze eggs. Some people prefer to separate the yolk from the white and freeze the two portions in different containers. This is a great idea if you frequently make meringues and other dishes that require the use of egg whites only. Make sure to label each container so you know how many whites are preserved. Don’t forget to add the date to the label as well.
There is an additional step required when freezing egg yolks. The composition of the yolk is such that freezing will thicken the yolk and render it useless for use later. To avoid this situation, add a small amount of salt or sugar to the yolks and then beat them into a smooth consistency. Label the container with the date and the number of egg yolks inside, as well as a note whether sugar or salt was used. This makes it possible to know whether to use the eggs as an ingredient in baked foods such as cakes or pies, or for scrambled eggs.
When freezing whole eggs, simply beat the yolks and white together, as if you were preparing scrambled eggs. Pour the mixture into your container, taking care to note the number of eggs and the date they were frozen. You can use the frozen eggs later in any recipe that calls for whole eggs.
All containers used for freezing the eggs should be airtight and recommended for use in a freezer. Failing to use the right type of containers can result in a product that does not keep well and will be of no value later on. Since the whole ideas is making eggs last so they can be used at a later date, it is well worth the time and effort required to purchase the right type of containers before you begin to freeze eggs.
