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If you’ve ever wondered how long do farm fresh eggs last, you’re not alone. Whether you get them from your backyard chickens or a local farmer, farm fresh eggs have a longer shelf life than store-bought eggs when stored properly. How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last?, In this article, we’ll explore expert tips on storage, how to keep them fresh for longer, and ways to check if they’re still good to eat.
The Shelf Life of Farm Fresh Eggs
So, how long do farm fresh eggs last? Unlike store-bought eggs that have already been washed and refrigerated, farm fresh eggs with their natural protective coating, known as the “bloom,” can last quite a while. Unwashed farm fresh eggs can last up to 4 weeks on the counter at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can last 3 to 6 months.
This protective bloom seals the egg and keeps bacteria from entering through the shell, making farm fresh eggs last longer than their store-bought counterparts.
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Washed vs. Unwashed Eggs
One key factor in determining how long do farm fresh eggs last is whether or not they have been washed. Let’s break down the differences:
- Unwashed Eggs: These eggs still have their natural bloom intact. This bloom protects the eggs from bacteria and helps them retain moisture, allowing you to store them on the counter for up to a month or in the fridge for several months.
- Washed Eggs: Washing removes the bloom, making the eggs more vulnerable to bacteria and moisture loss. Once an egg is washed, it should be refrigerated right away, and it will typically last 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge.
If you plan to store your eggs for a longer period, it’s best to leave them unwashed until you’re ready to use them.
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Best Storage Methods for Farm Fresh Eggs
Now that you know how long do farm fresh eggs last, let’s explore the best ways to store them to maximize their freshness.
Storing Eggs at Room Temperature
If your eggs are unwashed, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine for a few weeks. Please store them out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location. This is an ideal option if you plan to use your eggs quickly.
Refrigerating Farm Fresh Eggs
For longer storage, refrigerating your farm fresh eggs is the best choice. Place the eggs in an egg carton in the fridge to protect them from absorbing strong odors. In the refrigerator, unwashed farm fresh eggs can last up to 6 months.
Freezing Eggs
You may freeze farm-fresh eggs, didn’t you know that? While you shouldn’t freeze them in the shell, you can crack them open, whisk the yolk and white together, and store the mixture in a freezer-safe container. Frozen eggs work great for baking or scrambling once they’ve thawed. They can be stored for up to a year.
How to Determine the Quality of Farm Fresh Eggs
Even if you know how long do farm fresh eggs last, you should check their freshness before using them. Here are a few simple ways to tell if your eggs are still good:
The Float Test
The float test is a popular and easy method to check if your eggs are still fresh. After adding water to a bowl, carefully drop the egg into it. A fresh egg is one that lays flat and sinks to the bottom. If it stands up or floats, it’s likely old and should be discarded. As the egg ages, its internal air pocket expands, causing it to float.
Smell Test
Crack open the egg and take a quick whiff. Fresh eggs should have a neutral smell. If the egg has a sour or unpleasant odor, it hasn’t gone well and should be thrown away immediately.
Check the Yolk and Egg White
When you crack the egg into a bowl, observe the consistency of the white and yolk. A fresh egg will have a firm yolk and thick white that stays close to the yolk. If the white is runny and the yolk looks flat, the egg is likely older but may still be usable, depending on how it smells and looks.
Surprising Facts About Farm Fresh Eggs
Here are some expert insights that may surprise you about how long do farm fresh eggs last and how to store them properly:
- Eggs don’t need to be refrigerated in some countries: In places like Europe, it’s common to store eggs at room temperature because they are typically sold unwashed.
- Fresh eggs have stronger shells: Farm fresh eggs often have thicker shells than store-bought eggs, which helps them stay fresh longer.
- Older eggs are easier to peel: If you plan to make hard-boiled eggs, using slightly older eggs makes peeling them much easier!
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How to Keep Farm Fresh Eggs Fresher for Longer
Now that you know how long do farm fresh eggs last, let’s discuss some tips to help keep them fresher for longer:
- Store them pointy-side down: This keeps the yolk centered and helps prevent the egg from drying out.
- Leave the bloom intact: As mentioned earlier, the bloom is nature’s way of protecting the egg. Please don’t wash the eggs until you’re ready to use them.
- Use an egg carton: Storing your eggs in a carton will help protect them from absorbing odors in the fridge and keep them at a consistent temperature.
So, how long do farm fresh eggs last? If unwashed, they can last up to 4 weeks at room temperature and 3 to 6 months in the refrigerator. Once washed, the eggs should be refrigerated and will last for about 3 to 5 weeks.