There’s nothing quite like collecting fresh eggs from your backyard flock. But how can you keep your eggs fresh and tasty? Let’s explore how to keep your homegrown eggs fresh and safe to eat – and how to test eggs if you’re not sure!

Should You Wash Fresh Eggs?

Nature provides eggs with a protective coating called the bloom or cuticle. This natural barrier keeps bacteria out while letting the egg breathe. Don’t wash fresh eggs before storage – doing so removes this protective layer and can actually push bacteria into the egg through its porous shell.

If eggs need cleaning, wait until just before use. For visibly dirty eggs, try dry cleaning first with a clean, slightly abrasive pad or brush. If washing becomes necessary, use water slightly warmer than the egg’s temperature and dry thoroughly before use.

What’s the Best Way to Store Eggs?

Temperature consistency matters most for egg storage. Store eggs pointed-end down to keep the yolk centered and help them stay fresh longer. You can store fresh eggs on the counter or in the refrigerator; but once refrigerated, eggs must stay in the fridge.

Keep eggs in their original egg carton rather than transferring them to refrigerator egg holders. The carton protects eggs from absorbing odors through their porous shells and maintains proper humidity. Place the carton on a middle shelf where the temperature stays steady – not in the door where temperatures fluctuate each time it opens.

Always write the collection or purchase date on the carton or on the egg itself, so you can track their shelf life.

How Long Do Fresh Eggs Keep at Room Temperature?

In many countries, eggs stay on store shelves rather than in refrigerated cases. In most of North America, eggs are processed differently so store-bought eggs should be stored in the fridge.

For home-collected eggs, room temperature storage usually remains safe for at least two weeks, provided temperatures stay between 50-70°F (10-21°C).

However,

• Once eggs have been washed (and their protective layer may have been compromised), keep them in the fridge;
• Once eggs have been refrigerated, they must stay in the fridge. Keeping eggs at a consistent temperature is important; taking cold eggs to room temperature causes condensation on the shell, which can draw bacteria through the porous surface.

How Long Do Eggs Keep When Refrigerated?

Properly refrigerated eggs typically stay fresh for at least 4-6 weeks. Store eggs at 40°F (4°C) or below for best results.

Commercial eggs often have two dates in the United States: a “pack date” (a three-digit number representing the day of the year) and a “best by” date. While these dates help with rotation, properly stored eggs often stay fresh for weeks after the best-by date.

How Can You Test Eggs for Freshness?

The “egg float test” is the most reliable way to check egg freshness. Fill a bowl with cool water and gently place the egg inside. Fresh eggs sink and lay flat because they have small air cells. As eggs age, these air cells grow larger, causing the egg to tilt upward or float.

Here’s what different positions of the egg indicate:

• Sink and lie flat: very fresh
• Tilted upward: still fresh and good to eat
• Standing on end: Use soon
• Floating: discard

Even after passing the float test, if you’re not sure how long your eggs have been sitting out, crack each egg into a separate bowl before adding it to recipes. Fresh eggs have thick, cloudy whites that stay compact, and the yolks stand tall. If anything looks or smells unusual, discard the egg.

Does Yolk Color Indicate how Fresh they are?

Contrary to popular belief, yolk color doesn’t indicate freshness or spoilage. Fresh egg yolks range from light yellow to deep orange, depending mainly on the hen’s diet. Hens eating lots of greens and insects typically produce darker yolks than those on plain grain diets.

However, spoiled eggs do show warning signs. Discard eggs that have:

• Strong sulfur or other unpleasant odors
• Very thin, watery whites
• Flat, runny, broken yolks
• Pink, green, or black inside

How Can You Keep Eggs Safe to Eat?

While most chicken keepers aim to reduce waste, food safety should always come first. Discard eggs left at room temperature overnight after being refrigerated or those with cracked shells. When collecting eggs, gather them promptly and clean nest boxes regularly to prevent contamination.

For recipes calling for room-temperature eggs, take them out of the refrigerator about 30-90 minutes before use. Don’t speed this process with warm water or other heating methods.

By following these storage guidelines and testing methods consistently, you’ll have fresh, safe eggs ready for cooking or baking. These simple practices help minimize waste while keeping your kitchen safe and your recipes turning out beautifully.