Why are eggs kept on a shelf in a shop, but must be refrigerated straight after purchase?

[Aimsmum]

Message withdrawn

I dont think they have to be refrigerated after purchase, they just stay fresher longer if you do.

They're best used at room temperature too, according to St Delia that is.

Was going to quote La Delia myself. Although I do keep mine in the fridge

oh dont put them in the fridge

they will always crack ifyou boil them

Message withdrawn

I think thats because without refrigeration on purchase, the shop cannot make promises regarding the 'best bfore' date

Enid, if you add a splash of vinegar to the water when you put the eggs in, they will never crack.

don't put them in the fridge - the atmosphere in there is very drying and makes them go stale quicker.
or so I read somewhere....

I don't put them in the fridge. I'm sick of the little buggers falling out whenever I open the door.

My Mum says the reason they crack whaen boiled straight from the fridge is the sudden change in temperature.

Message withdrawn

i keep mine in teh fridge because everywhere in my kitchen is in direct sunlight for most of the day so they would be a bit yucky! If you are boiling them, put cold water in the pan with the eggs and they don't crack. Time them from boiling.

I never refridgerate eggs!

Kathy - isn't that bread?

SN

They are for Americans.

I never put my eggs in the fridge but we use loads so they never hang around for long (my kids are eggaholics!)

Yep, - they go in the fridge because that's where the egg holders are - simple!

OK I've looked it up in the great Harold McGee Encyclopaedia of Food and Cooking which is all sciency and he says:

1. they should be cold so fridge is good
2. a shelf is better than the thing in the door because agitation thins the white
3. an airtight container slows moisture loss and absorption of flavours from other foods but accelerates development of stale flavours from the eggs themselves.

so - in the fridge but not the door; if you have other stinky stuff in the fridge keep them in a sealed container.