TV chef James Martin reissued a warning to home cooks during an appearance on ITV's This Morning recently telling people never to store their eggs in the fridge. It's a plea he has made to viewers previously but what is the reasoning for the alert? The cooking favourite was quick to explain his reasons.
Chatting to TV hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby during the show, James had whisked up a Victoria Sponge or two when he paused to share the controversial advice with This Morning viewers. Whether or not to put eggs in the fridge often produces strong views from households and generally sparks social media debate.
James began by explaining the difference between hen and duck eggs, and commenting on the almost translucent quality of the duck egg shell. Phillip and Holly were tucking in to Victoria Sponge cakes made using the different types of eggs and James added that the "quality of eggs is key' for a good baked product.
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However, the conversation then turned to how eggs are stored. The respected chef went on to explain the impact on the egg depending upon where they were kept and how this can change a dish in which they are used. Explaining, he said: "all eggs are porous, which is why you never put eggs in the fridge". Adding that they 'absorb all the flavours from the fridge' due to the texture of the shell.
As an example, James explained how in the restaurant they would use fresh truffle and "put that in a bowl with rice, put the eggs on the top and clingfilm them and put it in the fridge overnight". He said: "When you break the eggs in the morning for breakfast for customers you have truffle scrambled eggs - there is no truffle in them, the flavour has gone through the egg [shell] into the egg itself". "That's amazing", replied Holly on hearing the explanation.
In defence of those who store their eggs in the fridge, the Mirror wrote that storing them according to the box recommendation of refrigerating meant it would "prolong the eggs' shelf-life for those who take a while to get through a carton".
Egg cartons generally have the following storage instructions printed on them: "After purchase, keep refrigerated for freshness. For best results, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before use".
James has previously shared his strong opinions about cooking products. He recently told fans that margarine should be banned. Admitting he is a big butter lover, he told Express.co.uk: “Margarine should be banned. It’s the ready-made food, it’s the packet food, the hidden salt, hidden fat. It’s dreadful, dreadful stuff - it’s two elements away from plastic, it’s horrendous stuff."
He went on: “I’m a farmer’s kid. We’ve always had full-fat milk, butter, and cream. And that’s what we had. There wasn’t such a thing as semi-skimmed milk in our house... It’s not the butter in a butter block or butter you put on your toast. It’s the fact that not as many people cook in the UK as they do in France or Italy or Spain.”
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