First off, according to Herve Malivert, a culinary expert at the Institute of Culinary Education, hard-boiled eggs can last about three to four days when properly stored in the refrigerator. That means once you’ve boiled your eggs to perfection and popped them into the fridge, you have a good window of time to enjoy them in all your favorite dishes. But there’s a cool trick to help keep your eggs fresher a bit longer: try storing them upside-down. It sounds a little strange, but this method actually helps keep the yolk centered and prevents that pesky greenish ring from forming around it—a win-win for both appearance and taste.

Now, if you’ve already peeled your hard-boiled eggs, keep in mind that they won’t last as long as the unpeeled ones. Peeled eggs tend to dry out faster, so it’s best to eat them within one to two days. If you want to maximize freshness, keep the shells on until you’re ready to eat them. That satisfying moment of peeling a perfectly cooked egg is definitely worth the wait, plus you get the bonus of longer-lasting eggs in your fridge.

But how can you tell if your hard-boiled eggs have gone bad? Luckily, it’s pretty straightforward. If your eggs give off a sour or rotten smell, if the whites look slimy or have changed color, or if the yolk has become dry and crumbly, it’s time to toss them out. Trust your nose and your eyes here—when in doubt, throw it out. There’s no need to risk your health over an egg that’s past its prime.

Hard-boiled eggs aren’t just great on their own—they’re incredibly versatile. From deviled eggs at a party to hearty egg salad sandwiches for lunch or simply sliced atop a fresh salad, these eggs can do it all. However, here’s a quick tip: avoid freezing hard-boiled eggs. While freezing might seem like a good idea to extend their shelf life, frozen and thawed eggs often become rubbery and tough, losing that creamy texture we all love. So, keep your eggs refrigerated and enjoy them fresh instead of frozen.

Speaking of storage, one common mistake is keeping eggs in the fridge door. It might seem convenient, but the door is actually the warmest part of the refrigerator because it opens and closes frequently, causing temperature fluctuations. These changes aren’t great for preserving the freshness of your eggs. Instead, store your hard-boiled eggs in the main body of the fridge, preferably on a middle or lower shelf where the temperature is more consistent and cooler.

So, to wrap things up, your hard-boiled eggs are good for about three to four days in the fridge if left unpeeled, and about one to two days once peeled. Storing them upside-down can help keep the yolks centered and prevent discoloration. Always check for signs of spoilage like strange odors or changes in texture before eating, and never freeze hard-boiled eggs if you want to keep their taste and texture intact. Also, remember to store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, not the door, to keep them fresh longer.

With these tips, you can confidently prepare and enjoy your hard-boiled eggs without worrying about freshness or safety. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just love a quick snack, hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic addition to your kitchen routine. Now go ahead and get cracking on those delicious egg dishes—your taste buds will thank you!