For how long can I keep these eggs outside of the fridge? (And if someone can please explain me why it doesn’t have to be in the fridge?) thanks in advance.
For how long can I keep these eggs outside of the fridge? (And if someone can please explain me why it doesn’t have to be in the fridge?) thanks in advance.
If they haven't been washed then easily 1-2 months on the counter. Once they've been washed the protective bloom is no longer there and they need to be refrigerated.
And after about 6-8 weeks you can hardboil them for even longer. And when your kid (who swears they love hardboiled eggs more than anything else in the world) refuses to eat even one, you give the hardboiled eggs back to the chickens after another two weeks. Mixed in with 8 week old eggs that you couldn't get rid of because of some reason you own 19 hens (and two roosters) and they are giving almost a dozen a day and your friends have their own (much more reasonable) flocks.
I have a question about this. When you/they say wash, do you mean with simple hand rubbing and after that takes it off too? or just proper wash/cleaning?
If they are direct from a chicken, haven't been washed or refrigerated then up to 2 months depending on temperature and humidity they are stored at (cold and dry is bad) The eggs are laid with a protective sealant that dries and seals the egg from any bacteria or contamination (so a chicken can hatch). If they are cleaned, washed or refrigerated that protective seal is removed.
I read that refrigerating does not reduce shelf life. It actually increases it. But they have to stay in the fridge, because if you take them out they’ll sweat, and bacteria in the condensation can then be absorbed back through the shell.
Does this also go for an egg that’s been left in the nesting box on cold days? For example 4 hours in 45 degree weather. One of my hens just started laying and sometimes I can’t get her egg until later in the day. I’ve been keeping out on the counter top but now this makes me wonder if it’s wise.
A good way to check if the eggs are good is by filling a cup with water and dropping an egg in it. If it sinks to the bottom it's good and if it floats it isn't
hens produce an enzyme that, unwashed, protects the egg for up to 2 weeks unrefrigrated 3 mos if refrigerated. Note you can test be putting eggs in water floaters are no good for human but hens will love them raw
Eggs are usually fine at room temperature because they contain proteins that make it difficult for bacteria to grow. If they don't last a month at room temperature, the eggs will be damaged before the chicks are born. But only if there are no cracks or other holes in them, so be very careful before eating them. I still used to boil the extra eggs and give them to the hens.
I agree about 2 months on counter. If you have to many you can allso put them in water and pickling lime and we have eaten eggs about 14 months old this way when the chickens slow down.
If you get food grade mineral oil, you can rub some oil on the egg shell, unwashed, and it fills the pores not to let bacteria in the shell. I've heard of eggs being stored at room temp in the pantry for up to 6 months this way. Eggs from the grocery store can be several months old since they are commercially treated in a similar way, though not with such a natural ingredient like mineral oil.
Unwashed they can keep for a month or more. If in doubt do the float test. A good egg will sink. Bad eggs get scrambled and are fed back to the chickens. Freshly laid eggs have a protective covering.
If they haven't been washed then easily 1-2 months on the counter. Once they've been washed the protective bloom is no longer there and they need to be refrigerated.
☝️☝️☝️ This right here but I would add keep them out of direct sunlight.
And after about 6-8 weeks you can hardboil them for even longer. And when your kid (who swears they love hardboiled eggs more than anything else in the world) refuses to eat even one, you give the hardboiled eggs back to the chickens after another two weeks. Mixed in with 8 week old eggs that you couldn't get rid of because of some reason you own 19 hens (and two roosters) and they are giving almost a dozen a day and your friends have their own (much more reasonable) flocks.
Have kept eggs in 6-10c dry dark and still good for atleast 6months unwashed
I have a question about this. When you/they say wash, do you mean with simple hand rubbing and after that takes it off too? or just proper wash/cleaning?
If they are direct from a chicken, haven't been washed or refrigerated then up to 2 months depending on temperature and humidity they are stored at (cold and dry is bad) The eggs are laid with a protective sealant that dries and seals the egg from any bacteria or contamination (so a chicken can hatch). If they are cleaned, washed or refrigerated that protective seal is removed.
Sometimes it takes me a while to get the eggs from the coop and it’s very cold outside is that considered refrigerated?
We don't wash our eggs but store an 18 pack directly in the fridge all the rest sit on the counter. Should we not be putting those 18 in the fridge?
I read that refrigerating does not reduce shelf life. It actually increases it. But they have to stay in the fridge, because if you take them out they’ll sweat, and bacteria in the condensation can then be absorbed back through the shell.
I just finished a small lab over this last week actually!!
Store them pointy side down and they will last longer. It has to do with the air pocket. If you want to know more Google it.
This is interesting. I always thought that was the safe way to store the eggs before incubation.
Once they have been put in their fridge, they need to remain there.
Does this also go for an egg that’s been left in the nesting box on cold days? For example 4 hours in 45 degree weather. One of my hens just started laying and sometimes I can’t get her egg until later in the day. I’ve been keeping out on the counter top but now this makes me wonder if it’s wise.
Why
I didn’t read comments.
Do not wash outside of shell and they last up to 2 months. How? Magic...I have no idea but it's true.
The natural bloom on them. Like a water soluble protective coating from the hen, which is why you can’t wash or the bloom is gone.
The maximum is probably much, much longer. But they can become a bit wildcardy past a certain point. Open outside, perhaps.
Two months, don’t wash off it’s natural bloom it gets from its mother. If you wash them bacteria can get into the egg:
A good way to check if the eggs are good is by filling a cup with water and dropping an egg in it. If it sinks to the bottom it's good and if it floats it isn't
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neJGE3Fy3PE
Bloody ages.
hens produce an enzyme that, unwashed, protects the egg for up to 2 weeks unrefrigrated 3 mos if refrigerated. Note you can test be putting eggs in water floaters are no good for human but hens will love them raw
Eggs are usually fine at room temperature because they contain proteins that make it difficult for bacteria to grow. If they don't last a month at room temperature, the eggs will be damaged before the chicks are born. But only if there are no cracks or other holes in them, so be very careful before eating them. I still used to boil the extra eggs and give them to the hens.
Position the eggs where the rounded end is up. The eggs need to breathe.
I agree about 2 months on counter. If you have to many you can allso put them in water and pickling lime and we have eaten eggs about 14 months old this way when the chickens slow down.
6 weeks. Bad eggs float in water
If you get food grade mineral oil, you can rub some oil on the egg shell, unwashed, and it fills the pores not to let bacteria in the shell. I've heard of eggs being stored at room temp in the pantry for up to 6 months this way. Eggs from the grocery store can be several months old since they are commercially treated in a similar way, though not with such a natural ingredient like mineral oil.
Unwashed they can keep for a month or more. If in doubt do the float test. A good egg will sink. Bad eggs get scrambled and are fed back to the chickens. Freshly laid eggs have a protective covering.
Don’t wash them and they can stay on counter for 3-4 months