Sharing is caring!

There’s something truly egg-citing about collecting farm-fresh eggs from your backyard chickens. Not only are they a wholesome and nutritious addition to your diet, but the experience of gathering them yourself adds a personal touch to your meals.

But what if you don’t plan on eating eggs anytime soon? How long can you keep chicken eggs before they go bad?  Proper egg storage is crucial to maintaining their freshness and quality. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of storing freshly laid chicken eggs to ensure they stay delicious and safe to eat.

How to Store Chicken Eggs

Collect Eggs Promptly

The first rule of egg storage is to collect them promptly. Gather eggs at least once or twice a day to reduce the risk of breakage and to ensure that you have the freshest eggs possible.

Another bonus to collecting your own chickens’ eggs shortly after they’re laid, is to help prevent your chickens from going broody.  Broodiness is the natural instinct of hens to incubate a clutch of eggs and hatch chicks. When you consistently collect eggs from the nesting boxes, you interrupt the formation of a complete clutch.

Inspecting for Quality

Before storing the eggs, give them a quick inspection. Discard any eggs with cracks, as they can harbor bacteria and compromise the quality of neighboring eggs. Fresh eggs should have clean, unblemished shells.

Cleaning Eggs Properly

Contrary to popular belief, eggs have a natural protective coating called the “bloom.” Washing eggs removes this protective layer, making them more susceptible to contamination. If you have dirty eggs, use a dry cloth or a gentle brush to remove any debris. If washing is necessary, do so just before using them.  

To ensure you have the cleanest eggs when collecting them, make sure you keep the nesting box in the chicken coop poo free.  

What is the Egg Bloom?

The bloom, also known as the cuticle, is a protective coating on the outside of a chicken egg. This natural coating is part of the egg’s structure and is secreted by the hen’s uropygial gland, which is located near the base of her tail.

The bloom helps to seal the pores in the eggshell, reducing the risk of bacteria entering the egg and protecting the developing embryo from potential contaminants. The bloom has a slightly waxy or oily texture and serves as a barrier to moisture and bacteria. It helps to keep the egg contents fresh by preventing the loss of water and the entry of air and contaminants. 

Washing eggs removes the bloom, so eggs are often sold unwashed to maintain their natural protective coating. In some countries, eggs may be treated with a thin layer of mineral oil to replace the bloom and preserve freshness during storage.

Storing Eggs at Room Temperature

Storing fresh farm eggs at room temperature is a common practice in many parts of the world, and it’s generally safe if done correctly.  We have a rotation of eggs in our pantry and then into the fridge.  

Fresh eggs can remain at room temperature for up to a month before needing refrigeration. While we prefer consuming ours within a few weeks for optimal taste, as long as you consume the egg within a month of its laying, it should be perfectly fine.

Storing Eggs in the Refrigerator

To keep your eggs fresher longer.  You can store eggs in the refrigerator for up to six months.  Make sure you avoid storing eggs in the door of the refrigerator, as the temperature can fluctuate more in this area. The main part of the refrigerator maintains a more consistent temperature.

Proper Packaging

Place eggs in an egg carton or a specialized egg holder to prevent breakage and maintain their shape. The carton also provides an extra layer of protection from odors and flavors in the refrigerator. Position eggs with the pointy end down to help keep the yolk centered.

Labeling and Rotating

To maintain freshness, label the egg carton with the date of collection. Use the oldest eggs first to ensure you consume them before they lose their peak freshness. Proper rotation is key to enjoying the best taste and quality.

Long-Term Storage

If you find yourself with an abundance of extra eggs, consider long-term storage methods like freezing or pickling. These methods can extend the shelf life of eggs while preserving their nutritional value.

How to Preserve Eggs

Freeze Eggs

You can’t just put an egg in the shell and freeze them.  The water content in the egg will expand as it freezes, causing the egg to crack. I learned this when I didn’t collect eggs right away in the middle of winter. Oops!

Crack the Eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl. It’s a good idea to crack each egg into a separate bowl before transferring it to the ice cube trays. This way, you can check for freshness and remove any shell pieces.

Whisk or Beat the Eggs: Whisk or beat them as if you were making scrambled eggs.

Portion the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the compartments of the ice cube trays or silicone mold. Each compartment is roughly equivalent to one egg.

Labeling: If you’re using a mold that doesn’t have individual compartments, you may want to label a freezer bag with the number of eggs, date, and any other relevant information.

Freeze: Place the ice cube trays or silicone mold in the freezer. Allow the eggs to freeze until solid. This usually takes a few hours.

Transfer to Freezer Bags (Optional): Once the eggs are frozen, you can pop them out of the ice cube trays or mold and transfer them to a labeled freezer bag for more efficient storage. This step is optional, but it can help save space.

Store Properly: Ensure that the eggs are stored in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Properly stored, frozen eggs can last for several months.

Tips:

• For better results, it’s recommended to use fresh eggs.
• Consider adding a pinch of salt or sugar to the beaten eggs before freezing to help maintain their texture.
• Thaw frozen eggs in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• While frozen eggs can be used in cooking and baking, they may not work well for dishes like sunny-side-up eggs or omelets due to changes in texture.

Remember to always follow food safety guidelines and consult reliable sources for any specific concerns or questions about freezing eggs.

Pickling Eggs

Pickling eggs with pickling lime is a traditional method that involves soaking hard-boiled eggs in a solution of water and pickling lime before pickling them in a brine. Pickling lime, also known as calcium hydroxide, helps to firm up the egg whites and make them more suitable for pickling. 

If the pickled eggs are made with vinegar-based brine and kept refrigerated, they can typically last for about 1 to 3 months. It’s important to store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage and bacterial contamination. Here is a basic recipe.

Ingredients:

• Hard-boiled eggs
• 1 cup pickling lime
• 1-gallon water
• 2 quarts white vinegar
• 1/2 cup pickling salt
• Pickling spices (optional)
• Garlic cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggs:
   • Hard-boil the eggs and peel them carefully.
2. Make the Pickling Lime Solution:
   • In a non-reactive container (glass or plastic), mix 1 cup of pickling lime with 1 gallon of water.
   • Stir well to dissolve the lime completely.
3. Soak the Eggs:
   • Place the peeled eggs in the pickling lime solution.
   • Let them soak for about 24 hours. This process helps to firm up the egg whites.
4. Rinse the Eggs:
   • After 24 hours, carefully remove the eggs from the pickling lime solution.
   • Rinse the eggs thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residual lime.
5. Prepare the Pickling Brine:
   • In a large pot, combine 2 quarts of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of pickling salt.
   • Optionally, add pickling spices and garlic cloves to the brine for additional flavor.
6. Bring to a Boil:
   • Bring the brine mixture to a boil. Stir to ensure that the salt is completely dissolved.
7. Pack the Eggs:
   • Pack the soaked and rinsed eggs into sterilized jars.
8. Pour the Hot Brine:
   • Pour the hot pickling brine over the eggs in the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
9. Seal the Jars:
   • Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
   • Place sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
10. Process (Optional):
    • If you want to store the pickled eggs at room temperature, you can process the jars in a water bath canner for about 10-15 minutes.
11. Cool and Store:
    • Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
12. Wait:
    • Let the eggs pickle for at least a week before consuming to allow the flavors to develop.

Remember to follow proper canning and food safety practices to ensure the safety and longevity of your pickled eggs. Additionally, adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.

Water Glass Eggs

Water glassing, also known as “water glass egg preservation,” is a method used to store eggs for an extended period by submerging them in a solution of water glass, which is sodium silicate. 

The water glass seals the pores of the eggshell, preventing air and bacteria from entering, thus extending the shelf life of the eggs up to 18 months. Here is a basic recipe.

Ingredients and Materials:

1. Fresh eggs
2. Sodium silicate (water glass) – available at hardware stores or online
3. Clean, non-reactive container with a tight-fitting lid such as a large mason jar

Procedure:

1. Choose Fresh Eggs:
   • Select fresh, clean eggs without any cracks or visible defects.
2. Prepare the Water Glass Solution:
   • Follow the instructions on the sodium silicate packaging to create the water glass solution. Typically, it involves diluting the sodium silicate with water. The ratio may vary, so read the instructions carefully.
3. Clean and Sterilize the Container:
   • Wash the container thoroughly with soap and water.
   • Rinse the container to remove any soap residue.
   • Sterilize the container by pouring boiling water into it and allowing it to cool.
4. Place Eggs in the Container:
   • Carefully place the selected eggs in the clean container.
5. Submerge Eggs in a Water Glass Solution:
   • Pour the prepared water glass solution over the eggs in the container, ensuring that the eggs are completely submerged.
6. Seal the Container:
   • Securely close the container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent air and contaminants from entering.
7. Store in a Cool Place:
   • Place the container with the water-glassed eggs in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storage is around 45-50°F (7-10°C).
8. Check Regularly:
   • Periodically check the water glass solution to ensure that it hasn’t evaporated or become too thick. If needed, add more solution to keep the eggs submerged.
9. Use as Needed:
   • When you want to use the eggs, carefully remove them from the water glass solution, rinse them thoroughly under running water, and use as you would normally.

Important Notes:

• Always use fresh, clean eggs for water glassing.
• It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for diluting the sodium silicate to create the water glass solution.
• Store the container in a cool place to prevent spoilage.
• Do not use cracked or damaged eggs, as the water glass solution may not effectively seal them.

What About Store-Bought Eggs?

In the United States and many other countries, grocery store eggs are washed and sanitized before they are sold to consumers. This process removes the bloom on the eggshell, which helps to seal the pores in the eggshell and protect the egg from bacteria. Without this protective coating, eggs are more susceptible to contamination. Refrigeration helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

In other countries, commercial eggs are not washed to retain their natural protective coating, allowing them to be stored at room temperature. However, in places where eggs are washed and refrigerated for safety reasons, consumers need to store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and safety. Always follow local food safety guidelines and storage recommendations for eggs in your region.

How Long Do Eggs Last?

• Unwashed Eggs at Room Temperature:  3-4 weeks
• Unwashed Eggs Refrigerated: 3-6 months
• Washed Eggs at Room Temperature: 1 week
• Washed Eggs Refrigerated: 2-3 months

Remember that these are guidelines.  Many factors can influence an egg’s freshness.

How to Tell if an Egg Is Bad

When in doubt, performing the float test is a great way to help you determine if an egg is still good to use. All that is needed is a bowl of water and eggs.

Fill a bowl or glass with enough water to completely submerge an egg.

Carefully Place the Egg in Water: Gently place the egg into the water. Ensure that the egg is fully submerged and observe what the egg does in the water.

Fresh Egg: If the egg lays flat on the bottom of the bowl, it is very fresh.

Slightly Older Egg: If the egg stands upright on the bottom but doesn’t lay flat, it is still good but not as fresh.

Questionable Egg: If the egg starts to stand on its pointed end or float halfway, it’s not as fresh but may still be safe to eat.

Spoiled Egg: If the egg floats to the top, it’s likely spoiled and should not be consumed.

The freshness of an egg is determined by the size of the air sac inside. Over time, moisture loss occurs with older eggs and the air sac inside them expands. A very fresh egg will have a small air sac, causing it to sink. As the egg ages, the air sac grows, causing the egg to become more buoyant and possibly float.

Remember that this test is a good indicator but not foolproof. Always check for other signs of spoilage, such as unusual odors, off colors, or abnormal textures. If you are unsure about an egg’s freshness, it’s safer to discard it.

BOTTOM LINE

Storing freshly laid chicken eggs is a simple yet crucial aspect of enjoying their full flavor and nutritional benefits. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your eggs remain a delightful addition to your meals. Whether you’re a seasoned backyard chicken enthusiast or a novice egg collector, proper storage practices will enhance your eggsperience and keep your eggs eggstraordinary!

What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Mail

To get more tips and lessons learned, join my Farm Life Community by signing up with your email address below!

Related Posts:
Top Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds
Backyard Chickens 101
What Not to Feed Chickens

To get more tips and lessons learned, join my Farm Life Community by signing up with your email address below!