Studies have shown that butter has a shelf life of many months, even when stored at room temperature ( 6 , 10 ). However, it will stay fresh longer if it is kept in the refrigerator. Refrigeration slows down the process of oxidation, which will eventually cause butter to go rancid.

Should You Leave Butter on the Counter? According to the USDA, butter is safe at room temperature. But if it’s left out for several days at room temperature, it can turn rancid causing off flavors. The USDA does not recommend leaving it out more than one to two days.

Unfortunately, eggs left out on the counter for more than two hours need to be tossed. This is because eggs are susceptible to salmonella contamination due to how they’re processed before they get to the grocery store. Once the eggs have been refrigerated, letting them sit unrefrigerated is a big no-no.

“Hard-boiled eggs should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and discarded if left out for more than two hours at room temperature,” said Rubin. Her recommendation is to leave them in the fridge in their shells for optimal taste and quality, and to only peel them when you’re within minutes of eating them.

In the United States, fresh, commercially produced eggs need to be refrigerated to minimize your risk of food poisoning. However, in many countries in Europe and around the world, it’s fine to keep eggs at room temperature for a few weeks. If you’re still unsure, refrigeration is the safest way to go.

What points should you consider when buying eggs?

• Always purchase eggs from a refrigerated case.
• Choose eggs with clean, uncracked shells.
• Don’t buy out-of-date eggs.
• Look for the USDA grade shield or mark.
• Choose the size most useful and economical for your lifestyle.

All meat should be purchased before the sell-by date. Some packages may also include the nutrition info, preparation info and the country of origin. There are two stamps found on packages of meat that you may have noticed. Since the early 1900s the USDA has mandated that all meat get inspected.

Ideally the best egg is organic, pastured (or free-range), USDA A or AA, stamped with the Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved seal. If you have to pay a dollar or two more than usual, you’ll know you spent money on the things that matter.

Are Brown Eggs Better than White Eggs? The color of an egg is not an indicator of quality. When it comes to taste and nutrition, there is no difference between white and brown eggs. Despite the fact that they’re often more expensive, brown eggs aren’t any better for you than white eggs, and vice versa.

Eggs can help you lose weight because of their high protein content, which keeps you full longer. That protein may also slightly increase your metabolism, which can help you burn more calories. If you want to lose weight, eat eggs as part of a healthy breakfast with fruits and vegetables.

Until the early 1970s white eggs – which are generally medium-sized – were popular in the UK but they had fallen out of favour by the end of the decade when shoppers began switching to the brown variety, which were larger and seen as healthier.

So, while cage-free does not necessarily mean cruelty-free, cage-free hens generally have significantly better lives than those confined in battery cages. The ability to lay their eggs in nests, run and spread their wings are tangible benefits that shouldn’t be underestimated.

According to All About Eggs by Rachel Khong, cage-free facilities have more hen-on-hen violence and lower air quality than facilities that use cages. Free-range, another USDA term, means that the eggs come from hens that have some sort of access to the outdoors.

Cage-free eggs come from hens that live in a type of housing that is different than conventional housing, which is why they often cost more. The egg carton will indicate if the eggs are from a farm that follows programs for the humane treatment of animals.

Lots of people prefer to buy organic eggs simply because the hens aren’t confined to cages, have access to the outdoors and are fed organic feed. It’s a personal decision. For any dish that needs an extra-fluffy texture, though, I would splurge on the organic dozen.

Disadvantages: Restriction of natural behaviors: Hens in cages are less able to perform behaviors such as dust bathing and foraging. Nesting and roosting are not options in the conventional cages. Hens may experience overgrown claws.

Flocks producing certified organic eggs must be antibiotic free by regulation. Eggs from hens treated with antibiotics cannot be classified as antibiotic-free, but the eggs themselves do not contain antibiotic residues. The list of antibiotics allowed by FDA for use in egg laying flocks is quite small, only three.