You might be saying- what a funny post to be written by someone that doesn’t own chickens. And to you, I say yet. I just know chickens are in my future at some point so in free time I like to learn about best practices. Until I can use the tactics myself, I pass the info along to my friends with feathered egg layers of their own. If that’s you, please chime in with any other helpful info!.
Eggs are some of the best protein sources you can find with their versatility and adaptability to so many protein-rich snacks and meals. However, not all eggs are created equal. I believe any egg is better than no egg at all, but there are some differenced between them.
Store-bought eggs are improving on offering high quality varieties, but farm-fresh eggs are something special. In general, farm-fresh eggs are more flavorful and have brighter yolks than their store-bought counterparts. Whether you have your own backyard flock, or you’re lucky enough to know someone down the road who sells farm-fresh eggs, I highly recommend seeking some out and seeing if you can taste the difference for yourself.
Farm-fresh eggs tend to be healthier for you with vibrant yellow yolks and bright egg whites. This is because most farm-fresh eggs come from chickens that are allowed to forage for their own food which leads to eggs that are higher in nutrients. I always giggle at the “100% vegetarian fed” messaging on some egg cartons because chickens aren’t vegetarians. Their varied diets include worms and grubs that help add nutrients to their eggs.
Farm-fresh eggs have different storage requirements than store-bought eggs. Here are some important things you should know about storing farm-fresh eggs so that you can use the freshest eggs the next time you want to make an omelet or hard-boiled eggs.
Collecting and eating fresh eggs from your own backyard chickens is one of the most enjoyable parts of raising chickens The superior taste, nutrition, and quality of farm-fresh eggs make them far better than store-bought eggs However, to retain maximum freshness and avoid food safety issues, proper storage of fresh eggs is essential.
This detailed guide will teach you everything you need to know to gather, clean, store, and check the freshness of your own chicken eggs.
Collect Eggs Frequently
Collect eggs from the nesting boxes as often as possible, at least twice daily – once in the morning and again in the evening. Frequent collection keeps the eggs cleaner since there’s less chance for them to get soiled by chicken droppings. It also reduces the chances of eggs getting cracked or broken by bumping into each other over time.
Extreme weather during certain times of the year can also weaken egg shells, making them more likely to crack and break. Frequent gathering limits their exposure to temperature swings. Quick collection also safeguards the eggs from predators.
The Natural “Bloom” Protects Fresh Eggs
Freshly laid eggs have a natural protective coating called the “bloom” or cuticle. This waxy film seals the pores of the egg shell, acting as a barrier to block bacteria and moisture loss
The bloom is the egg’s first line of defense, allowing farm-fresh eggs to be safely stored at room temperature. However, washing eggs removes this protective coating, requiring refrigeration to prevent spoilage.
Don’t Wash Unrefrigerated Eggs
It’s best not to wash fresh eggs until right before use, in order to preserve their bloom. Unless visibly soiled, eggs stored at room temperature should not be washed at all. The bloom keeps them safe and fresh for 2-3 weeks without refrigeration.
If washing is necessary, use warm water without soap or chemicals, which could taint the taste. Make sure eggs are dry before storing. Washed eggs must go into the refrigerator.
Refrigeration Extends Shelf Life
The bloom lets you store eggs safely at room temperature for two to three weeks, but putting them in the fridge can make them last two to three months longer.
Eggs that have been washed should always be kept in the fridge in containers with lids. Eggs that are not covered are more likely to lose water and pick up smells or bacteria. For best quality, use refrigerated eggs within 3-5 weeks.
Once chilled even once, eggs must remain refrigerated. Repeated temperature fluctuations can create condensation inside the egg, allowing bacterial entry.
Know How to Check Freshness
The float test is a simple way to check how fresh an egg is. Submerge the eggs in a bowl of cool water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom, while old eggs will float. Floating indicates air pockets inside the egg, which occurs as the contents shrink over time.
Cracking an egg open also reveals signs of age. Fresher eggs have thick, viscous whites and round, upright yolks. Older eggs have thinner, more watery whites and flat, breaking yolks.
Other Fresh Egg Storage Tips
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Store eggs pointed end down to keep the air pocket at the round end. This prevents air from contacting the yolk and bacteria from growing.
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Turn or rotate eggs about once a week if storing any length of time. This prevents the yolk from sticking to the sides.
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Store eggs away from foods with strong odors that could taint their flavor.
How To Store Farm Fresh Eggs
You have a few options when it comes to storing farm-fresh eggs. Here are some tips that will help you store your eggs so they’re as fresh when you eat them as they were when you collected eggs from the nest boxes of your backyard flock.
Unwashed Eggs Are Best Stored At Room Temperature
Freshly laid chicken eggs don’t have to be kept in the fridge. Chicken eggs come with a protective bloom surrounding them that’s designed to keep bacteria away from the interior of the egg. This protective bloom is washed away as soon as the eggs come in contact with any type of liquid, including water.
- When you gather eggs from your backyard flock, throw away any that look like they are cracked. These eggs might not be safe to eat because bacteria got into them.
- Instead of using water to clean eggs, use fine sandpaper or a soft brush to gently scrub away dirt and other things that are on them.
- You can keep raw eggs in their cartons on the counter for up to two weeks at room temperature.
How To Store Your Chickens’ Freshly Laid Eggs
FAQ
How do you store freshly laid chicken eggs?
Eggs that haven’t been washed will usually last about two weeks if they aren’t in the fridge and three months or more if they are. If you have a lot of fresh eggs, it’s best to put any that you aren’t going to eat right away in the fridge. This will help them last longer.
Should you wash farm fresh eggs before refrigerating?
No, it’s generally recommended not to wash farm fresh eggs before refrigerating unless they are visibly dirty. Washing removes the natural protective coating (the bloom or cuticle) on the eggshell, making them more susceptible to bacteria.
How long will eggs last unrefrigerated?
Unrefrigerated eggs, particularly farm-fresh, unwashed eggs, can last for about two weeks. If washed, they may only last 1-2 weeks.
How long will freshly laid eggs keep in the fridge?
Eggs may be refrigerated three to five weeks from the day they are placed in the refrigerator. The “Sell-By” date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs will be perfectly safe to use.
How do you store fresh eggs from chickens?
Here are some ways to keep fresh eggs from your chickens fresh for longer: Put them in boxes or buckets with straw. Use some in an egg skelter within days and store the rest in the fridge.
How long do chicken eggs last in a nesting box?
But now you’ve got nesting boxes FULL of fresh eggs, and you need to know where and how to store them. So, let’s chat about the best way to store and handle your backyard bounty. Unwashed fresh chicken eggs last approximately 2-3 weeks at room temperature. Storing them in the fridge keeps them fresh for about 3 months.
How do you store fresh unwashed eggs?
You will find farm-fresh unwashed eggs stored in fridges and as well at room temperature. The same goes for fresh-washed eggs. For most people, eggs are rapidly cooked foods that do not stay on the shelves for long. The eggs usually do not end up sitting in the fridge, cabinet, or store for long.
How long do chicken eggs last in the fridge?
Unwashed fresh chicken eggs last approximately 2-3 weeks at room temperature. Storing them in the fridge keeps them fresh for about 3 months. And water-glassing, a preservation method, allows for you to store eggs for up to a year. Here is a helpful chart that you can save or print and put it on your fridge.
How long can you keep fresh eggs if you refrigerate them?
On the counter, you could store fresh eggs for a month before you may notice any change in the quality or taste of your eggs. If you refrigerate your eggs, you could safely store them for several months – and it would take even longer to notice any changes in flavor or taste.
Where should eggs be stored?
Store them away from onions, garlic, and other pungent ingredients. Store separately from other foods: To prevent cross-contamination, it’s best to store eggs away from raw meat, fish, or any food with strong bacteria that may lead to foodborne illnesses.