How Long Can You Keep Pickled Eggs?

Are you a fan of pickled eggs – a popular snack paired with beer at pubs and bars in many countries in the world? Have you ever tried doing some homemade eggs pickling? How long can you keep pickled eggs? Well, some interesting facts about pickled eggs will be mentioned in the following article.

How long can you keep pickled eggs?

If kept in the fridge, pickled eggs are recommended to be eaten within 3-4 months to have its best quality and ensure you stay healthy.

For small pickled eggs, they are seasoned well enough after 1-2 weeks. Meanwhile, the seasoning for the medium or larger may take up to 2-4 weeks. At this time, they are ready for you to enjoy. So, the larger the egg size is, the longer the length of seasoning is.

During the seasoning, the temperature for preservation should always be maintained at 39°F (3.8°C) or lower. Only when you want to taste or eat them should you let pickled eggs at room temperature.

After using, the egg jar should be back in the fridge within 2 hours since bacteria grow really fast in the temperature of between 40-140°F (4.44-60°c).

Why avoid storing pickled eggs at room temperature?

If pickle eggs are kept at the temperature higher than 39°F (3.8°C), a bacteria called botulism may appear. This type of bacteria produces neurotoxin and rarely causing deadly paralytic illness.

This problem mostly happens with improperly home-canned foods. The conditions for those bacteria to grow are:

 

• No oxygen.

• Temperature above 39°F (3.8°C).

• pH value higher than 4.6.

 

To reduce the risk that may happen, the CDC already made a list of cautions. What you should note are as below:

• Eggs should be clean and well cooked.
• Anything in contact with eggs like utensils or containers should be washed carefully with soap and hot water for disinfection.
• An adequate acid environment is required so that the level of pH is below or at 4.6.
• Refrigeration is recommended to maintain the ideal temperature.
• Avoid any sunlight if possible.

How to make safe home pickled eggs?

Not only eggs but anything else that is pickled has a lot of requirements for storage. Pickled eggs, if handled carefully and properly, are totally safe and tasty. Let’s find out how to prepare pickled eggs safely at your home.

• Egg selection: Eggs should be fresh in the day, clean, and in good condition without any cracks.
• Choice of containers: Containers for pickling should be glass jars that are cheap and easy to use with caps inclusive of silicone sealing rings. Also, they are better for insulating.
• Preparation of jars: Jars must be cleaned thoroughly and dried. By the way, jars should be kept hot in a pot until you use them.
• Other kitchen tools: Every utensil used during the process should always be clean.
• Preparation of eggs for pickling: Eggs should be perfectly cooked with simmering water to avoid soft boiling or overcooking. You can follow the below steps for proper egg preparation.

Step 1: Cover the eggs with enough water.

Step 2: When the water is nearly boiled, reduce the fire, and let the eggs simmered for around 15 minutes.

Step 3: Put the eggs under cold water for cooling.

Step 4: Crack the eggs, and start peeling from the large end. Eggs should be peeled thoroughly without any tiny pieces of shells left. By the way, be careful not to break the eggs. Those eggs with holes allowing bacteria into the yolk shouldn’t be used for pickling.

Step 5: Put all the eggs in the container.

Make the pickling solution: The recipe should be followed strictly with extra care. The amount of every spice and ingredients to make the solution should be correct, and you aren’t expected to add anything that might cause some reactions in your pickled. By the way, butter, flour, rice, or pasta should never be added.

Finally, when your solution is ready, pour the hot liquid all over the eggs and ensure that it covers them well.

Step 6: Close the jar as tightly as possible and store it appropriately.

In terms of how long can you keep pickled eggs in vinegar or your solution, remember to finish serving your eggs in 3-4 months for the best quality and your health safety.

Conclusion

Learning to make your own pickled eggs must be a great idea for a good treat to your family and friends. However, don’t ever forget how long pickled eggs should be kept to protect your health. What are you waiting for? Let’s give it a try and prepare the best pickled eggs ever.