If there’s one thing you’ll never run out of as a chicken keeper, it’s eggs! Hens lay so frequently that friends, family, and neighbors often get to enjoy fresh, quality eggs too. When egg production is high and you simply can’t keep up, it may be time to consider storage to preserve their freshness. You can leave fresh eggs at room temperatue for about a month before having to consider storing options. But it’s safe to know those options in case you are ever met with too many eggs to eat! There are many approaches you can take to store eggs, but here are some pointers from the “eggsperts!”
1. Keep A Clean Coop
This may be a no-brainer, but the best way to have clean eggs is to keep a clean coop. Inspect your coop daily, remove any muck, dirt, and debris that may leave an undesirable mark on your hens’ precious eggs. The cleaner you keep your coop, the less chance you’ll have of finding eggs that are covered in “EW!” Sure, you may find the occasional slop-covered egg, but it’s probably nothing a little soap and water can’t fix.
2. Don’t Wash Them Immediately
Fresh eggs come with a protective layer of protein that keeps bacteria from penetrating the small pores within an egg’s shell. We refer to that barrier as the “bloom” or “cuticle.” When it comes to storing eggs long-term, you should aim to keep the bloom in tact for as long as you possibly can, up until you’re ready to eat it. This will help to avoid any bacteria from reaching the inside and infecting the egg. Cooking eggs to the proper temperature (160°F) tends to kill off harmful bacteria. But it’s best to take action to prevent it from reaching the egg in the first place.
3. Store Them In Cartons
Eggshells retain strong odors and flavors from other foods, which is why your best bet is to store them in something that can block outside smells from getting in. Cartons are an extra layer of protection, keeping delicate eggs safe from accidental bumps and shakes. Cartons also reduce water loss when stored properly. Always store your eggs with the pointed side down in order to help the yolk stay centered and keep any bacteria as far from the egg as possible.
4. Consider Refrigeration
Although they don’t technically need refrigeration, eggs last significantly longer when stored in the fridge at the ideal temperature of 45°F. In fact, they can last about 7 times the length as eggs stored at room temperature! If you want to enjoy your eggs at a later date, this is certainly a great option. Refrigeration slows the growth of bacteria, but eggs should not be stored where the temperature will frequently change (like in the fridge door). Whether you choose to clean your eggs or leave the bloom on before refrigeration is entirely your choice. Uncleaned eggs will last longer than cleaned eggs, even in the fridge.
5. Freeze Them
There are a few methods you can take to freeze eggs, all requiring different levels of effort. No matter which route you take, it won’t be as simple as putting eggs in the freezer. You’ll have to lose the shell if you want to freeze your eggs! For storing whole eggs, beat until blended then store them in freezer-safe containers. To store the whites and yolk separately, you can use a water bottle to slowly draw the yolk out from the white, then empty the yolks into their own container.
Freeze egg whites in ice cube trays then transfer them into larger containers for easy storage. Frozen yolk tends to take on a gelatinous form, but there’s a quick fix for that. Just add 1/8 tsp. salt (for main dishes) or 5.5 tsp of sugar or corn syrup (for desserts) per 1/4 cup of yolk. Be sure to label the number of eggs and the date for whatever method you choose.
6. Gather Eggs Frequently
Although eggs can survive being left out in a nesting box for some time, they are also at higher risk of being damaged. From accidental breaks to extreme heat altering the inside, stay on the safe side and check for eggs twice in the morning. If you listen, you may hear your hens cackling more when they’re laying, which is your cue to grab a basket and start grabbing!
We hope these tips help you and your loved ones enjoy your flock’s eggs more than ever before. Every egg deserves to be eaten, and proper storage can help to do just that. With these simple tips, you can feast on quality farm fresh eggs any day without worry!