Egg Care

Unwashed eggs can be safely stored at room temperature for a limited time, depending on where you are and how fresh the eggs are. Here’s a general guideline for care:

  1. Freshness: If the eggs are fresh from a local farm and haven't been washed, they still have a natural coating called the "bloom," which helps protect them from bacteria. These eggs can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

  2. Storage: Store unwashed eggs in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A countertop or pantry is ideal, but avoid keeping them in a place that gets too warm.

  3. Avoid Washing: Don't wash eggs before storing them at room temperature. The natural coating on the eggs helps to keep bacteria out. If you wash them, this protective coating is removed, making the eggs more susceptible to contamination and spoiling faster.

  4. Room Temperature Considerations: If your home is particularly warm (over 75°F or 24°C), it's better to refrigerate eggs. Heat can cause the eggs to spoil more quickly.

  5. Refrigeration after Room Temperature: If you leave eggs at room temperature for a while and decide to refrigerate them later, they can still be used but try to use them within a week or so. If they've been in the fridge for some time, they should stay there until you use them.

If you plan to keep them for longer than a couple of weeks, it's best to refrigerate them. Would you like tips on how to check if your eggs are still good?

Washed eggs require more care than unwashed eggs because the natural protective coating, known as the "bloom," is removed during the washing process. Here's how to properly care for washed eggs:

1. Refrigeration:

  • Always refrigerate washed eggs. Without the bloom, washed eggs are more vulnerable to bacteria and spoilage. Keep them in the fridge at a consistent temperature, ideally at or below 40°F (4°C).

2. Storage:

  • Store washed eggs in their carton. This helps prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods and also protects them from damage.
  • Keep the pointed end of the egg facing down. This helps maintain the yolk's position and reduces the risk of the egg breaking or deteriorating.

3. Use Within 3-4 Weeks:

  • Washed eggs should be used within 3-4 weeks of refrigeration. They tend to spoil faster than unwashed eggs due to the loss of the protective bloom.

4. Avoid Re-washing:

  • If you’ve already washed the eggs, avoid washing them again. Each time you wash an egg, you risk removing more of its protective coating. If the eggs are dirty, it's better to clean them just before use rather than before storing.

5. Check for Freshness:

  • Since washed eggs have a shorter shelf life, it's important to check if they're still good to use. A quick way to check is the water test:
    • Fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg in it.
    • Fresh eggs will sink and lay flat on the bottom.
    • Older eggs will either float or stand upright, which is a sign they may be spoiled and should be discarded.

6. Keep Eggs in Their Original Carton:

  • The carton helps keep moisture in and prevents the eggs from absorbing strong odors from other foods in your fridge.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that washed eggs stay fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible! If you need any other tips or info, feel free to ask.