NAVIGATION
Washing Fresh Eggs
Preventing Bacteria
Washing Before Eating
Unwashed Eggs Shelf Life
Washing Before StorageI never realized how intensely debated the topic of how to wash farm fresh eggs was until I began raising chickens for myself many years ago. I like to think of the debate over washing fresh eggs as a difference of opinion between germaphobes and fact-checkers.
Let me explain what I mean before I get into the best time and ways to clean freshly laid eggs for safe consumption.
Hi, I’m Ryan
It’s been over a decade since I learned how to wash farm fresh eggs at the right time and in the right way to prevent bacteria and prolong the lifespan of my homestead’s eggs. Now, I’m sharing these tips and tricks with others to help them enjoy the healthy benefits of farm fresh eggs for themselves.
When, Why, And How To Wash Farm Fresh Eggs
The debate over how to wash farm fresh eggs comes from the fact that Americans are accustomed to prewashed and refrigerated store-bought eggs. The truth is that the US is one of the only countries that requires commercially produced eggs to be washed and refrigerated. Some countries actually ban the washing of commercial eggs, and I think you’ll understand why when we look at the science of eggshells.
How Eggshells Work: Preventing Salmonella And Bacteria
The biggest thing to understand about your farm fresh eggs starts with learning how eggshells work. They may look hard and protective, but eggshells are actually extremely porous, having up to 8,000 pores. These pores allow bacteria and other outside contaminants into the egg.
Thankfully, though, every time a hen lays an egg, she coats it with a protective layer that prevents bacteria from getting in through the egg’s pores. This layer is called the “bloom,” and it provides most of the egg’s color as well. This is where the debate on how to wash fresh eggs comes in.
Why I Don’t Recommend Washing Fresh Eggs Before Storing Them
The bloom is the reason I don’t recommend washing fresh eggs before storing them. Chickens provide a natural protective layer for their eggs that keeps bacteria out.
While you can’t really see or feel this protective layer, you might notice that freshly laid eggs on your homestead will look a little shinier and feel a little smoother before they are washed. Washing removes this outer coating, allowing bacteria to enter your eggs from the air the entire time they are stored. For this reason, washed eggs must be refrigerated to prevent contamination, while unwashed eggs are safe out of the fridge for a couple of weeks.
For a longer shelf life, don’t wash your farm fresh eggs before storing them. Unwashed eggs can last up to two weeks at room temperature and up to three months in the refrigerator.
Do I Need To Wash Fresh Eggs Before Cracking?
Technically, you don’t need to wash fresh eggs before cracking them, but it’s a smart step to take to ensure no contaminants that remain on the eggshell make their way into your meal.
The obvious fear is the danger of bacteria like salmonella getting into our food from dirty eggshells. Quite honestly, the best way to prevent salmonella is by following my suggestions to keep your chickens, coop, and eggs clean in the first place (more on that below). That said, I’ve found that the best time to wash fresh eggs is right before cracking them open.
How To Wash Fresh Chicken Eggs Right Before Eating Them
If, like me, you’d like to keep the bloom on your eggs for as long as possible but still want to clean them before eating, follow these steps for how to wash and store fresh chicken eggs.
First, Give Your Freshly Gathered Eggs A Once-Over Dry Cleaning
Most of the eggs I gather on my homestead don’t have visible dirt or poop on them to begin with because I’ve taken measures to ensure they are as clean as possible, but I still like to look them all over as I put them into cartons. If any have chicken poop, mud, or feathers stuck to them, I will use a rough cloth (designated for this job only) to gently brush off the encrusted contaminants. This keeps the eggs and my cartons visually clean until I need to use them.
Second, Store Your Unwashed Eggs In Your Pantry Or Fridge
I love cooking and baking, so I go through my farm fresh eggs fairly quickly. For this reason, I usually store mine on my counter or in a cupboard. If you aren’t sure you’ll go through your eggs before two weeks have passed, though, make sure to store them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
Third, Wash Your Eggs Before Use With Warm Running Water
When I’m ready to crack open some eggs, I turn my tap on hot and make sure the water is nice and warm before washing the eggs one at a time beneath the running water. The water is technically supposed to be above 90 degrees to encourage your egg’s pores to push bacteria out instead of letting it in during this process.
Don’t allow your eggs to sit in a bowl of water. Instead, wash them with your hands under hot running water and immediately dry them before using.
How To Wash Farm Fresh Eggs For Storage
Though this isn’t my preferred method, some of you might choose to wash your farm fresh eggs before storing them. In that case, you’ll need to follow some specific guidelines for washing fresh eggs to prevent bacteria.
The Dos Of Washing Fresh Eggs
- Always wash your eggs under running hot water (90 degrees or higher).
- Always dry your eggs immediately, as wet eggs encourage bacteria growth.
- Always store washed, farm fresh eggs in the refrigerator to prevent contamination.
The Don’ts Of Washing Fresh Eggs
- Never wash your eggs with cold water or allow them to sit in a bowl of water.
- Never use soaps, bleach, or detergents to wash eggs, as these can enter the egg’s pores.
- Never store washed eggs outside of the refrigerator.
How Long Do Fresh, Washed Eggs Last In The Refrigerator?
Washed, farm fresh eggs are good for up to three months in the refrigerator. However, I recommend using washed eggs within a month because of how susceptible they can be to bacteria.
Strategies For Keeping Your Fresh Eggs Clean
One of the reasons that factory farmed eggs in the US are washed is that they get a lot dirtier than eggs laid on a homestead. You can be proactive and hands-on with your chickens and eggs in your coop, which will help your eggs stay much cleaner.
7 Ways To Keep Your Eggs From Getting Dirty Or Poopy
- Use an egg roller or catcher that can roll the eggs away from the chicken as they are laid.
- Collect eggs frequently from your nesting boxes.
- Teach your chickens when they’re chicks not to sleep in their nesting boxes.
- Provide at least one nesting box for every four hens.
- Use sand as litter at the bottom of your coop and run.
- Make your nesting boxes padded and comfortable so your hens will want to lay in them.
- Keep your chickens and your chicken coop clean.
Now that you know how to wash farm fresh eggs the best way, and how to prevent them from getting too dirty to begin with, I hope you feel prepared to deal with freshly laid eggs on your own homestead. If you have more questions about chickens, eggs, or homesteading in general, I have a great list of homesteading book recommendations I think you’ll find helpful.
Your Turn!
- What is your preferred time to wash your farm fresh eggs and why?
- Do you think it’s important to wash farm fresh eggs?
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