Can Fresh Eggs Be Stored At Room Temperature?
There is nothing better than heading to your backyard, picking up a fresh warm egg and making an excellent breakfast. In fact, it is one of the many great perks of having your own chickens! However, if you are new to backyard hens and used to buying your eggs in the grocery store eggs, you may be wondering what the best way to store them is.
Can Fresh Eggs Be Stored At Room Temperature? Fresh eggs can be stored at room temperature for around two weeks as long as they remain unwashed. Eggs that are washed must be refrigerated as they are susceptible to bacteria without their natural protective layer called bloom.
In this article, we will take a closer look at storing fresh eggs at room temperature, how long they last, when and how to wash them, and how to tell if they are still good to eat.
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Table Of Contents
- Can Fresh Eggs Be Stored At Room Temperature?
- How Long Do Fresh Eggs Last?
- When And How To Wash Fresh Eggs
- How To Tell If Eggs Are Still Good To Eat
- How To Keep Track Of Fresh Eggs
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- Can You Eat Eggs Straight From A Chicken?
- Can Chickens Lay Eggs Without A Rooster?
- Do Chickens Need Nesting Boxes? Why Or Why Not
Can Fresh Eggs Be Stored At Room Temperature
Freshly laid eggs from backyard hens or a local farmer can be stored at room temperature as long as they remain unwashed. Eggs stored at room temperature can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
You can store eggs at room temperature for a period of time because they have a natural protective called bloom (also known as the cuticle) that helps protect the egg from bacteria and air. When you wash eggs, this layer is removed, and they are more susceptible to bacteria. Washed eggs need to be refrigerated to help prevent new bacteria from forming and old bacteria from penetrating the egg.
Many people prefer room temperature eggs as they mix better in baking and cooking, plus you get to put your beautiful hen’s eggs on display! There are various ways to store eggs on the countertop, including baskets and egg skelters such as this spiral egg holder.
How Long Do Fresh Eggs Last?
Eggs can last weeks to months, depending on your storage method. As mentioned above, unwashed eggs will last a few days to around two weeks if stored at room temperature.
If you do not think you can eat all your eggs before they spoil, consider moving them to the refrigerator to increase their longevity and freshness. Eggs can be washed or unwashed if refrigerated and will typically last around three months, though sometimes they can last longer. For refrigerator storage, use an enclosed egg carton such as cardboard styrofoam or a reusable one like the Utopia Egg Cartons.
If you get eggs from friends or local farmers, be sure to ask them if they are washed or unwashed. When in doubt, store them in the refrigerator.
When And How To Wash Fresh Eggs
Washing your eggs comes down to personal preference and how you want to store them. We recommend not washing your eggs until you are ready to use them unless they are spoiled with mud, poop, etc. Keeping the bloom on the eggs will help them keep their freshness for longer. However, if you choose to wash them, it is important to keep them refrigerated.
When washing eggs, it is important to use warm water only, as cold water can cause bacteria to grow. Then, gently remove any dirt and debris from the eggs. You do not need to use any soap or cleaners other than water. Once the bloom is removed, things can easily pass through the shell’s pores; hence, you should avoid using any products to clean eggs.
Once the eggs are clean, thoroughly dry them before storing them accordingly.
How To Tell If Eggs Are Still Good To Eat
There are a few ways to check your eggs to see if they are still good to eat. The first is to examine the egg to see if there are any signs of cracks or if it has a powdery or slimy exterior. If the eggs are cracked, there is a chance of Salmonella and other bacteria getting into the egg. Therefore, consuming them can be risky to consume.
The second method is a float test. This is a simple yet effective trick to testing your egg’s freshness that people have been using for years.
Gently place an egg in a bowl of water. The freshest eggs will sink and stay on the bottom. Eggs that are a few days to weeks old will start to tilt and stand on one end, while the oldest eggs will begin to float. Any floating eggs should be disposed of as they may not be safe to consume.
How To Keep Track Of Fresh Eggs
The best way to keep track of your eggs is to store your eggs in an egg skelter, which helps to keep the new eggs at the back and the old ones at the front. This is a great way to keep your eggs in order and ensures a first-in, first-out system (FIFO) so you will eat the older eggs first.
In addition, you can keep track of when each egg was laid by marking the date on each egg with a pencil.
