How Do I Store Eggs From Backyard Chickens?

“We’ve recently started raising backyard chickens and have been enjoying a plentiful supply of eggs. However, keeping track of how to store them properly has been a bit confusing. I’ve read different things about refrigeration versus keeping them at room temperature. Can you help clarify the best methods for storing eggs from my backyard chickens? We live in a region where the weather can get a bit warm in the summer, and we want to make sure we’re keeping the eggs safe to eat. What should we be doing to store them correctly?” thanks, Joshua, Perth, Australia.

How Do I Store Eggs From Backyard Chickens?

Raising backyard chickens, like Joshua from Perth, can lead to an abundant supply of fresh eggs, which is always a delight. But knowing how to store those eggs properly can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re getting mixed information. The key to storing your eggs safely depends on several factors: whether the eggs are washed or unwashed, current temperatures, and your storage preferences. Let’s walk through the different methods, considerations, and tips to make sure your eggs stay fresh and delicious.

Understanding Egg Bloom and Why It Matters

The first thing to know is that freshly laid eggs from your backyard chickens come with a natural protective coating called the bloom or cuticle. This coating is nature’s way of sealing the eggshell’s tiny pores and keeping bacteria out. As long as the bloom remains intact, your eggs retain an extra level of protection that can influence how you store them.

When the bloom is preserved, your eggs can be stored at room temperature without much issue for a certain period of time. Washing the eggs removes this natural barrier, which makes the eggs more vulnerable to bacteria and drying out. Because of this, the storing strategy will vary depending on whether you choose to wash your eggs or not.

Storing Unwashed Eggs

If the eggs remain unwashed, you have some flexibility in how you store them. Keeping the bloom intact means the eggs can be stored on the countertop or in a cool part of your kitchen. This method works perfectly in regions with mild climates, but Joshua’s situation in Perth, where temperatures can rise in the summer, might require some adjustments.

Methods for Storing Unwashed Eggs:

• Room Temperature: If you opt to store unwashed eggs at room temperature, it’s best to find the coolest part of your home. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Depending on the ambient temperature, unwashed eggs can last between 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
• Cooler Storage: If you have a cool cellar or pantry, this can be an ideal spot to store your eggs for a longer time. Consistent, cooler temperatures (around 10-15°C or 50-60°F) will extend the freshness of unwashed eggs, keeping them good for several weeks.
• Refrigeration: To extend the shelf life of unwashed eggs even further, refrigeration is the safest bet, especially in warmer climates like Perth. In the fridge, unwashed eggs can stay fresh for up to three months. It’s best to store them in the original egg cartons to minimize exposure to moisture and strong odors from other foods in the fridge.

Joshua, if you decide to leave your eggs unwashed, storing them at cooler temperatures will help preserve their freshness and safety for longer, especially during those warm Australian summer days.

Storing Washed Eggs

Washing eggs removes the protective bloom, so storing washed eggs requires a bit more care. Once washed, eggs should be refrigerated to ensure they stay safe to eat and maintain their quality.

Methods for Storing Washed Eggs:

• Immediate Refrigeration: Washed eggs should be placed in the refrigerator as soon as possible. They’ll last up to three months in the fridge, but it’s always best to use them sooner rather than later for optimal taste and texture.
• Carton Storage: Keep the eggs in their carton, placed on an interior shelf rather than the fridge door. The door is often subject to temperature fluctuations, which can compromise the eggs’ freshness. Carton storage also helps reduce moisture loss and cross-contamination from other foods.
• Avoiding Freezing: While refrigeration is best for washed eggs, freezing the eggs in their shell isn’t recommended because the egg expands and could crack the shell, leading to a mess and potential bacterial contamination. If you plan to freeze eggs, it’s better to break them out of the shell first (either separating the yolks and whites or beating them together). Frozen eggs can be stored for up to a year if done correctly.

Because washed eggs need refrigeration for safety, it’s a method to consider if you’re dealing with a lot of eggs and want a consistent method for ensuring they stay fresh.

Storage Time and Freshness

Joshua, it’s important to know how long your eggs can be stored before they start to degrade in quality. Here’s a breakdown of how long eggs typically last under different storage conditions:

Once your eggs reach their shelf life limit, you may notice changes in texture, flavor, and overall quality. Over time, the egg whites become thinner, and the yolks may flatten, impacting the texture—especially if you plan on using the eggs for baking or frying.

Testing Egg Freshness

Sometimes, the exact age of an egg isn’t clear, particularly if you’ve had a busy week and lost track of when the eggs were collected. Here’s a tried-and-true method for checking an egg’s freshness before using:

1. The Float Test: Fill a large bowl with water and gently place an egg in it. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat. Slightly older eggs will start to stand upright, while eggs that have gone bad will float to the top. Floating eggs should be discarded or used immediately for baking where fresh flavor is less critical.
2. Candling: While more commonly used during incubation, candling can help you see the size of the air cell inside the egg, which grows as the egg ages. This method might require a bit more practice but is helpful if you want to ensure firm and fresh yolks for poaching or frying.
3. Crack and Smell: The most reliable test is to crack open the egg into a bowl and take a sniff. Fresh eggs smell neutral or slightly sweet, while bad eggs give off a sulfuric, rotten smell. If something smells off, it’s better to discard the egg.

These methods provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re cooking with the freshest eggs possible. It’s also a good habit to rotate your eggs, using the older ones first to minimize waste.

Storing Excess Eggs

For Joshua, and others who find themselves with more eggs than they can immediately use, figuring out how to store the surplus is key. Here are a few options to consider:

Preserving Eggs Without Refrigeration

If refrigeration space is limited, there are age-old techniques for preserving eggs without needing cold storage. These methods do take some effort but can extend the life of your backyard eggs far beyond what typical storage methods allow.

• Water Glassing: This is an old-fashioned method where fresh, unwashed eggs are submerged in a mixture of lime (calcium hydroxide) and water. The eggs are stored in a food-safe bucket or container, completely covered by the solution. When done correctly, water-glassed eggs can last anywhere from 6 months to over a year. Just be sure to handle the eggs with care when removing them from the solution.
• Pickling Eggs: Pickling not only preserves your eggs but also adds a tangy flavor. After hard-boiling the eggs, they can be submerged in a vinegar-based pickling solution. Pickled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 months for the best taste.
• Oiling Eggs: Coating unwashed eggs with food-grade mineral oil can mimic the bloom’s protective layer, sealing the pores once again. After oiling, store these eggs in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. This method can extend an egg’s shelf life up to 4-5 months.

If you have space and want to keep your eggs fresh and on-hand for various recipes, these methods can give you some flexibility, especially for those times when your hens are laying like crazy and you need to hold onto the bounty.

Handling and Safety Practices

Whether you’re storing washed or unwashed eggs, proper handling practices are essential to avoid contamination and ensure the eggs are safe to eat.

Here are some safe handling tips:

• Wash Hands Before Handling: Always wash your hands before handling eggs, especially when collecting from the coop. This reduces the risk of transferring germs from your hands to the eggs.
• Avoid Washing With Cold Water: If you must wash an egg due to visible dirt or droppings, use warm water. Cold water can cause the contents of the egg to contract, sucking bacteria through the porous shell. A light scrubbing with warm water should do the trick.
• Sanitize Surfaces: Sanitize any surfaces eggs come into contact with, including collection baskets, kitchens counters, and egg storage containers. Use a food-safe cleaning solution or a mild bleach mixture.
• Check for Cracks: Eggs with cracked shells should be used immediately. They are at higher risk for bacterial contamination, especially if the crack occurred before you stored them. Don’t store cracked eggs for extended periods.

These simple practices go a long way in ensuring your eggs remain fresh and safe, reducing the risk of any unpleasant surprises when you crack them open.

Why Not All Eggs Are Equal

Joshua, one final point to consider is that not all eggs are created equal in terms of how they store. Freshness is impacted by your hens’ diet, health, and even environmental factors such as temperature or stress.

• Health and Stress of Hens: Eggs from healthy, well-fed, and unstressed hens tend to have stronger shells and longer-lasting freshness. Do your best to maintain optimal conditions for your hens, as it impacts the quality of your eggs.
• Egg Size and Shell Density: Smaller eggs with thicker shells may last longer in storage than larger eggs with thinner shells. Pay attention to shell quality—eggs with thin or brittle shells may need to be used more quickly or cooked thoroughly.
• Weather and Climate: In warm climates like Perth, eggs tend to degrade faster out of refrigeration. Adjust your storage practices accordingly to account for these environmental factors.

These factors all contribute to how long your eggs will last and their quality. A little attention to detail will help you make the most out of every egg your chickens lay.

Final Thoughts…

Joshua, thank you for sending in your question about egg storage. As you can see, there are several factors to consider depending on whether your eggs are washed, the temperatures they’ll be stored in, and even the size or shell quality of the eggs. Whether you store them at room temperature, in a cooler area, or in the refrigerator, each method can keep your eggs safe and delicious for weeks or months. Remember to test their freshness regularly and always handle them with care to ensure your family enjoys every bit of their backyard bounty.