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You refrigerate eggs from the store. But what about eggs straight from the farm?
This is the most common question I get when it comes to my farm fresh eggs. There is something to be said about walking out into your yard and gathering your breakfast.
When a chicken lays a fresh egg it is covered with a protective covering called a bloom or cuticle. This protective covering seals the eggshell pores to prevent any bacteria from entering the egg. The protective covering also helps keep the inside of the egg nice and moist.
When commercialized eggs are laid, they are gathered and immediately washed removing the protective covering. The eggs are then packaged for stores and sold to customers. This whole process can take 8 weeks or longer before the eggs finally make it to your refrigerator. Unfortunately by washing off this protective layer, anything, such as bacteria, chlorine or dish soap your eggs come in contact with, can easily cross over into your eggs or breakfast.
The process in Europe is completely different. Most European countries require the egg producer to leave on the protective coating and store the eggs on the counter in an effort to prevent contamination. Europe focuses on eliminating salmonella in the chicken itself as well so they can keep the protective covering intact.
Fresh unwashed eggs with the bloom or cuticle can last a couple of weeks on your counter and then another 2-3 months in your refrigerator. However, an egg will lose its firmness over time.
Not too sure if your egg is still good?
Do the “float test”. Place your egg in a tall glass of water. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it is still fresh. If it floats into the middle, it is still good but just not as fresh. If the egg completely floats to the top, then it is probably old and could be bad.
The decision to refrigerator fresh eggs or not is a personal choice. Neither method is full proof. My eggs are on my counter top for at least two weeks before I stick them in the refrigerator. Once in the refrigerator, I do not wash them until I am ready to use. I love looking at a basket of colorful eggs on my counter. It is a reminder of my farm life and how wonderful it is to raise my own food.
