Perfect Eggs - Eggy Timer (no reefer advice) on janice142

Memory Lane: When I was a child aboard our 40'er, we did not have a reefer. I never drank milk and a lot of what many consider "normal" was not a part of my life afloat.

Our boat, circa 2001:

Ice-boxes were prevalent aboard boats however they were drippy and leaky. Plus you had to find a place that would sell you ice. We did not use ours and eventually removed it.

The advent of 12-volt systems for refrigeration revolutionized the boating world. Though wildly expensive, they were a decided improvement for many. Of course you had to be able to power them. That brought on another set of complications.

I am eternally grateful to Bucky for the two solar panels that made such a difference in my happiness quotient. Having a way to keep items refrigerated is wonderful. Best of all are the ice cubes in my glass. The life of decadence took a decided jump with the additional solar panels. Thank you again!

Regarding refrigeration of eggs: I am not an expert, microbiologist, bacteriologist nor scientist. I can only tell you what I did. You need to assess the risks for yourself.

I am not responsible for your decision. You are in charge of your choices and what you eat. Without equivocation, reefer stored eggs are safer than those kept at room temperature.

I share with you what I have done in the past:
Before having the power to run my refrigerator I would buy a dozen eggs from the grocery store. I did not buy special eggs, simply choosing whatever was the best price at the store. When I got back home I would set them on the counter until they came up to boat temperature. Then I stowed them in my locker under the sink.

Placement was away from the hull which gets warmer in the sunlight. Every day or two I would flip the carton upside down. That's it!

I did not grease or oil the eggshells nor do any of the other things that some folks will say extend the life of an egg. My method, such as it is kept the eggs fresh for a month or so. Of course if temps were in the 90's I would only count on the eggs lasting a couple of weeks. Perhaps that is because I ate more then because they are so easy to fix

BEFORE EATING AN EGG: When I am dealing with an old egg I'm planning on scrambling or frying, I always open it into a small dish. That way if the egg has gone bad I don't ruin the rest of the ingredients in my recipe.

Men won't have to wonder if an egg is bad. You'll see milky strands in the clear part and the yolk will be discolored. Either or both of those symptoms, or a stench that won't quit is all you need to know. Toss it. The egg has gone bad.