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How Long Do Duck Eggs Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Duck eggs are a great option for looking for a sustainable and healthy alternative to chicken eggs.

While they may be less common than their chick counterparts, duck eggs offer the same benefits as organic or free-range chicken eggs.

However, how long do duck eggs last? What should you do with your duck eggs when they start spoiling?

It’s important to know how long your duck egg will keep before it goes bad so that you can plan accordingly.

What are Duck Eggs?

what are duck eggs

Duck eggs are considered a delicacy and can be much more expensive than chicken or quail eggs.

Duck eggs differ in taste and texture from chicken, quail, or goose eggs.

They are generally larger than chicken eggs because the duck has a higher proportion of fat to protein.

The yolk may be slightly darker, and the white tends to be thinner, indicating that they contain less water.

When boiling them, you should expect it to take one or two minutes longer to cook fully instead of chicken eggs which typically take about three minutes per egg.

The flavor characteristics of a duck egg have been described as being richer, creamier, more flavorful due in part (as explained above) to its high cholesterol content and thicker shell.

These factors contribute not only to the texture but also coloration (due primarily to lutein).

How to Cook Duck Eggs?

how to cook duck eggs

Duck eggs are a great source of protein and therefore making them a good option for breakfast.

It is not advised to eat them raw, as they have a higher chance of carrying salmonella.

There are many recipes for cooking duck eggs, which are similar to that of hen’s eggs.

Some cooks prefer scrambled or boiled egg recipes with some added salt and pepper for flavor.

Eggs are often cooked in a frying pan over low heat on both sides until they reach the desired level of doneness.

If you want your yolk runny, cook them for about three minutes per side; if you prefer hard-cooked eggs, allow six to seven minutes per way from start time.

How to Store Duck Eggs?

how to store duck eggs

Duck eggs are delicious, but they don’t last very long.

You want to store them as soon as you purchase the eggs and then use them up within a few weeks or less.

Otherwise, you should not have bought any in the first place.

This is because duck eggshells will be porous and allow bacteria into the delicate yolk once it starts to break down.

The best way of storing them is by keeping them inside an airtight container in your fridge for no more than two months at most before using them.

If you’re wondering how to keep eggs fresh without refrigeration, here’s what I do:

  • Allow duck eggs to come up to room temperature before storing them.
  • Store the eggs in an egg carton with paper towels at either end. This helps to absorb any moisture that might otherwise condense inside a closed container.
  • Protect the eggs from being bumped or knocked around. If you’re storing them on a shelf, make sure that they have enough room to “breathe.”.
  • Duck eggshells are porous, so if you store them in an open container, it’s best to cover the top with plastic wrap. This is not necessary for most other types of chicken eggs, but I recommend doing this just in case any bacteria present on the shell, which could lead to spoilage.
  • Keep it in a cool and dark place.
  • Duck eggs come with a higher risk of salmonella than other types, so be especially careful when handling them as well.

How Long Do Duck Eggs Last? Do Duck Eggs Go Bad?

how long do duck eggs last

For those who have never had a duck egg, you should know that they can be a bit different than chicken eggs because of their size and how they taste.

The shells are thicker and heavier than chicken eggs, so cooking them for breakfast might take a little longer since it takes more heat to cook through the shell.

They will also keep an extra couple of days while being stored in the fridge instead of other types of eggs, which spoil within one or two days after purchase.

After purchasing duck eggs, you should keep them in the fridge and use them within two to three weeks.

If you cannot consume all of your ducks eggs before they spoil or expire, it’s best to store them in the fridge.

Keep them in an airtight container so they do not dry out during storage.

The ideal storage place for eggs is on the back or middle shelf, away from foods with strong odors.

There is a misconception that eggs should be stored on the bottom shelf or door of the fridge, but this is a place where temperature variation can cause condensation and lead to spoilage.

Cooked duck eggs can be frozen up to a month in advance for later consumption.

To freeze, you will first need to cook the eggs thoroughly by boiling them or baking until they are hard-boiled and cooled before freezing.

You can then store them as an egg-shaped ice block that is wrapped tightly with plastic wrap while it’s still cold enough.

When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes and peel off the shell.

These instructions also apply when using duck eggs from scratch if you want some extra long shelf life.

How to Tell if Duck Eggs are Bad?

how to tell if duck eggs are bad

Duck eggs are not as commonly consumed or used in many food preparations and recipes because of their distinctive taste.

There are some types of food, however, that are made specifically to use duck eggs.

The best way to tell if your duck egg is bad or not is through smell and taste.

If the egg smells bad (rancid or sulfur smell), it is spoiled and should not be consumed.

The same goes for a rotten or off-smelling taste to your eggs as well.

You can also crack the egg on a hard surface and look for any signs of blood or discoloration.

If you have eggs that are not fresh, it is best to cook them to kill the bacteria, such as salmonella.

Duck eggs are safe to consume up until three weeks from their date of production, so you will know if they have gone past this time by smelling them and tasting them yourself at home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, duck eggs can last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

However, if you want to cook them, they are best used within 1-2 days of being laid.

Duck eggs usually have a richer flavor than chicken eggs and increase your dishes’ protein content while boosting their taste.

We hope this article has been informative and interesting for you; please share it with others who might be looking into these questions as well.

how long do duck eggs last

How Long Do Duck Eggs Last? Do Duck Eggs Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Duck eggs
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
  • Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
  • Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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