What are scotch eggs?
Scotch eggs are a classic British snack consisting of a hard boiled egg that is wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then baked or deep-fried. The sausage meat acts as a protective barrier around the egg, keeping the yolk soft and runny while the egg white cooks through.
The unique combination of crispy exterior with a soft, gooey interior is part of what makes scotch eggs so delicious. They make for a perfect picnic food or appetizer, and are often served at pubs throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Can you freeze raw scotch eggs?
Raw scotch eggs cannot be frozen successfully. The raw egg yolk and white will become rubbery and watery when thawed. The texture of the raw sausage wrapping will also deteriorate in the freezer.
Freezing raw scotch eggs risks food safety as well. Raw eggs that have been frozen and thawed can more easily become contaminated with bacteria like salmonella.
So freezing raw scotch eggs is not recommended. It’s best to cook scotch eggs first before freezing them.
Can you freeze cooked scotch eggs?
Cooked scotch eggs can be frozen, but the quality will decline compared to fresh scotch eggs.
When cooked scotch eggs are frozen, ice crystals can rupture the cell walls of the egg and sausage meat. This causes them to become mushy and dry in texture.
The breadcrumb coating will also lose its crunchiness and become soft. The yolk can become crumbly and hard, rather than soft and runny.
So while fully cooked scotch eggs can be frozen, thawing them will lead to diminished texture and flavor.
How to freeze cooked scotch eggs
If you do want to freeze cooked scotch eggs, here are some tips to maintain quality:
- Allow scotch eggs to fully cool before freezing. Freezing when hot can cause greater ice crystal formation.
- Wrap each scotch egg tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Place wrapped scotch eggs in a freezer bag, squeeze out excess air, and seal.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Why do scotch eggs deteriorate in the freezer?
There are a few reasons why scotch eggs don’t freeze perfectly:
- Egg white protein – Egg whites contain the protein albumen, which breaks down and becomes watery when frozen.
- Egg yolk membranes – The thin membranes containing the egg yolk can rupture during freezing, causing the yolk to become grainy and dry.
- Breadcrumb coating – The crispy coating absorbs moisture in the freezer, becoming soft and soggy.
- Sausage meat – The pork can lose moisture and fat, causing the texture to become crumbly.
These changes occur at a cellular level and cannot be prevented when freezing scotch eggs.
Can you refreeze thawed scotch eggs?
Once thawed, scotch eggs should not be refrozen. Any bacteria that may have grown during thawing could multiply to unsafe levels if they are refrozen.
The quality would also diminish further, as the egg and sausage would lose even more moisture with a second freezing.
For food safety reasons, only freeze thawed scotch eggs if they have been cooked again until piping hot throughout. But the texture will likely be poor.
Other ways to preserve scotch eggs
While freezing scotch eggs isn’t ideal, there are other ways to preserve them for longer without compromising quality:
Refrigeration
Freshly cooked scotch eggs can be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
Canning
Canning scotch eggs in jars is a shelf-stable preservation method. Use a pressure canner to avoid risk of botulism. Refrigerate after opening.
Curing
Scotch eggs can be cured by injecting nitrite salt brine into the yolk before cooking. This gives a longer unrefrigerated shelf life of 1-2 weeks.
Food preservatives
Ingredients like sodium citrate or potassium sorbate can be added to prolong refrigerated shelf life. Check regulations in your region on preservative use.
How long do scotch eggs last in the fridge?
Properly stored scotch eggs will last for:
- Raw scotch eggs – 2 days
- Cooked scotch eggs – 3-4 days
- Cured scotch eggs – 1-2 weeks
Scotch eggs should be discarded if they have an off smell or appearance. Use refrigerated scotch eggs within the above time frames for best quality and food safety.
Conclusion
While scotch eggs don’t freeze perfectly, they can still be frozen for up to 1 month with some decline in texture and flavor. For best results, cook scotch eggs then wrap tightly before freezing.
Refrigerating for up to 4 days or utilizing other preservation methods like canning, curing, and preservatives are better alternatives to enjoy scotch eggs safely. Freezing can work in a pinch, but scotch eggs really shine when made and consumed fresh.