As a homesteader that is starting to have a surplus of eggs, or a consumer supporting local farms, a common question people ask is "How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last?"
We will answer that question and so many more. Here is everything you need to know about how long they last, if they need refrigerated, and what makes them different from store-bought eggs.
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What is the Difference Between Farm Fresh and Store-Bought Eggs?
Many people that eat farm fresh eggs will attest to them having more flavor or even that they are better for baking. However, scientific research has indicated these claims have no facts to support these statements.
While taste is not a difference there are a few other key differences including nutrition, bloom, and quality of life for the hens.
Better Nutrition
Scientists have proven that farm fresh eggs have less saturated fat and cholesterol, more vitamins including A, D, and E, and they have more fatty acids.
This high dose of vitamins is exceptionally benefits to those that have deficiencies in their diet.
Bloom on Eggs
Store-bought eggs are highly sanitized and no longer have the bloom on them, as many consumers prefer pristine and clean eggs without a film or dirt on them.
Better Living Conditions
Consumers tend to be removed from their source of food, especially in America. Many egg buyers are unaware of the poor living conditions of the chickens that produce their store-bought eggs.
I will spare you the worst of it, but know that mass produced eggs come from hens that never see the light of day or a blade of grass (even the cage free eggs). These birds live in a quarter or less of their required space, which leads to disease and other complications.
Farm Fresh Eggs on the other hand come from a variety of farms but are typically free ranged or in a coop and run that provides adequate or more than adequate space for them to thrive.
Egg Tower and Egg Baskets are the perfect way to store farm fresh eggs on your counter. We utilize this system to track freshness of eggs as oldest eggs are moved to the bottom of the tower, and the basket is overflow for when we have more than 3 dozen eggs.
What is Bloom?
Perhaps one of the most notable differences between Farm Fresh Eggs and Store-Bought, is that farm fresh has a coating on them. This is called 'Bloom' or 'Cuticle.'
This protective barrier seals the egg which prevents it from being contaminated by bacteria and oxygen. Due to this protection, farm fresh eggs last far longer in the fridge or on the counter than store-bought eggs.
Do Farm Fresh Eggs Need Washed?
No, Farm Fresh Eggs do not need to be washed!
The bloom will protect the egg from bacteria and dramatically increase the shelf life of eggs. Farm Fresh Eggs can even be safely kept on the counter, unlike their store-bought counterparts.
How to Wash Farm Fresh Eggs?
If you are going to wash your farm fresh eggs it is recommended this is done just before use to ensure the bloom has not been compromised.
It is best to gently wipe off any poop or dirt with warm water and a towel. As cold water opens the pores of an egg and allows it to pull in bacteria.
We have lightly wiped many of our eggs as we sell them to friends, family, and coworkers that are still getting used to the concept of farm fresh. We have not had any issues with eggs going bad using this method.
For more ways to make money from chickens, read out article.
How Long Do Washed Farm Fresh Eggs Last?
Washed Farm Fresh Eggs can safety last two hours on a counter at room temperature similar to store-bought eggs.
Refrigerators on the other hand help eggs to last substantially longer, even up to 2 (two) months.
How Long Do Unwashed Farm Fresh Eggs Last?
Farm Fresh Eggs can safety last two to four weeks on a counter at room temperature on the counter.
Refrigerators on the other hand help eggs to last 7 (seven) times longer. That is for up to 6 months!
Do Farm Fresh Eggs Need Refrigerated?
Farm Fresh Eggs do not need to be refrigerated, although it will extend how long they can be eaten by several months.
How to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad?
The easiest way to tell if an egg has gone bad is the Float Test.
To perform the test simply take a bowl, cup, or jar and fill it with water. Gently put the egg in the water and examine the results.
If it floats, then it has gone bad and should not be eaten. This is because there is too much air in the egg that it becomes buoyant, and likely means there is bacteria present as well.
If it sinks, then the egg is edible and can safely be eaten.
It should be noted that if it sinks but stands upright, the egg is starting to become buoyant and should be eaten soon.
Final Thoughts
Farm Fresh Eggs are a healthy choice both for the consumer and for the hen that lays them. These fresh eggs can remain unwashed and will last up to 3 (three) times longer than store-bought eggs.
If you are ever unsure if an egg is still edible, it is best to do the float test to determine if it sinks.
Learn More
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