Scrambled eggs are a delicacy made by whipping eggs in the presence of a bit of liquid while heating. To make the dish delicious, one can add salt, butter, oil, spices, and some vegetables. Scrambled eggs can be eaten with other food accompaniments during breakfast, lunch, and dinner as one may choose.
How Long Can Scrambled Eggs Sit Out?
Scrambled eggs can sit out for no longer than 2 hours. If scrambled eggs stay for more than two hours unrefrigerated, they begin to spoil. Again, if the temperatures are above 85° F, it’s advisable to take them within an hour. That’s because the longer they are left unrefrigerated, the more likely they could get contaminated with illness-causing bacteria.
How Long Will Scrambled Eggs Be Good After Refrigeration
It’s okay to refrigerate scrambled eggs, and I do it to prolong their shelf life for several days. Unrefrigerated eggs will probably last for an hour or two. However, if refrigerated, they could last for 3-4 days.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the longer they stay, the more likely they lose their pleasant taste.
Besides, though advisable to warm the scrambled eggs taken from the fridge, warming them will not give them a similar taste to freshly cooked ones.
Therefore, refrigeration is only appropriate to prolong the shelf life by a few days. Hence I only do it when it’s essential.
How Do I Store My Scrambled Eggs in the Refrigerator?
I use a simple but effective method of storing scrambled eggs in my refrigerator. It’s almost similar to how I keep any other food, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone. Here are a few steps on how to do it.
- Step 1: Cool the scrambled egg to room temperature.
- Step 2: If the eggs are in large quantities, put them into smaller portions and place them in shallow clean, and dry containers.
- Step 3: Put the containers on the fridge shelves.
Why I Should Never Leave My Scrambled Eggs in the Open for Long
I love scrambled eggs, and I’m not alone. Millions of people out there, if not billions, love eggs just like I do. However, it’s crucial to understand scrambled eggs have some safety concerns, especially when left in the open for hours. Here are some of the possible safety concerns present for scrambled eggs.
- Bacteria contamination: Scrambled eggs left for too long in the open becomes a good ground for the survival of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
- Change in taste: Overstayed scrambled eggs do not taste the same as hot, freshly cooked ones. That’s why I dislike keeping them for too long before eating them.
Why People Love Scrambled Eggs
There are dozens of reasons why people love scrambled eggs. Some of the most common reasons why most people, including myself, love scrambled eggs are;
- Delicious: There is no doubt that scrambled eggs have an excellent taste that anyone who has tasted it never wants to miss.
- Fast to cook: When it comes to cooking scrambled eggs, it only takes 3 to 5 minutes, and you’re done. Scrambled eggs are among the first foods to consider whenever I want a quick meal.
- Numerous accompaniments: Scrambled eggs can pair with most foods, including baguettes, potatoes, bread, sandwich, crepe, rice, and vegetables, among others. As such, I find it a unique dish that doesn’t have limitations in prepping for a nice meal.
- Not time-bound: Looking for a meal that you can eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, then scrambled eggs are an excellent choice. It’s an all-day meal that you would love!
- Health benefits: Besides the good taste and ease of cooking, scrambled eggs contain numerous minerals and vitamins that are good for the human body. It’s a good source of proteins and healthy fat.
How Can I Tell My Scrambled Eggs Have Gone Bad
I’m cautious of any food I take and thus have identified ways to tell that any dish I’m about to have has not gone bad. While it is easy for some delicacies, it’s hard for others.
Nevertheless, with a lot of keenness, it’s still possible to tell if the meal is safe to eat or not. For scrambled eggs, here is how I tell they have gone bad.
- Awful odor: One of the simplest ways to tell your scrambled eggs are not fit for consumption is if they have a terrible smell. That’s an indication bacteria has already manifested and started acting on the egg.
- Black spots: Any time I notice black or greyish spots begin to develop on my scrambled eggs, I am sure they are contaminated molds. Thus they are not fit for consumption.
- Change in Taste: Well, foods do change tastes when they overstay. However, if they have already begun to spoil, the food tastes sour and rotten. When I get this taste from my scrambled eggs, I can tell they have gone bad.
How Do I Tell I Have Eaten Spoilt Scrambled Eggs
Like all the other foods, spoilt eggs are poisonous, and eating them will have similar food poisoning signs. Some of the most notable symptoms of having consumed spoiled scrambled eggs include;
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach ache
What Can I Do After Showing Signs of Food Poisoning From Scrambled Eggs
If you start showing signs of food poisoning, one of the first things you need is to stay hydrated. That means taking a lot of fluids and, in particular, water.
Again, if the pain or symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek assistance from a doctor or a medical practitioner. Typically, the symptoms should have subsided within two days.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Can Scrambled Eggs Sit Out
Can I Eat Scrambled Eggs that Have Sat Out for Long?
It’s advisable to only leave your eggs out for only a maximum of three hours. While not a must that they will always be bad beyond that point, the risk of contamination is high.
How Long Can I Refrigerate My Scrambled Eggs?
Scrambled eggs can be stored in the fridge for four days before they can begin spoiling. However, depending on the storage conditions, it could be a little longer or shorter.
How Can I Tell My Scrambled Eggs Have Spoilt?
You can tell the scrambled eggs have gone bad by a foul odor and a terrible taste. Again, the appearance of black mold spots indicates spoilage.
Conclusion to How Long Can Scrambled Eggs Sit Out
Scrambled eggs can only sit out at room temperature for a maximum of two hours, one hour if the temperature of the room is above 85 °F. The longer they sit out, the more that illness-causing bacteria will proliferate.