Are these eggs old? Do they really need to be in the fridge??

[Buzzy]

We keep them on the counter for two weeks or more, but DON'T WASH THEM

Just before the egg pops out the hen's body lays a natural coating on the egg to protect it, so she can collect a clutch of eggs to hatch. She lays an egg a day until she's got a dozen or so and wants to sit (the broody ones, anyway), and then they all hatch at about the same time. The coating has kept the earlier eggs fresh.

But if you wash your eggs right away the coating is broken through and it's probably better to keep them refrigerated.

Also, old home economics tip, from 1960's mandatory-for-girls class: if you're concerned, always break your eggs one at a time in a separate cup or bowl before adding them to whatever.

I hated that class sooooo much!! I hated that just because I was a girl I had to take it! But that's a good tip and just about the only thing I learned there.

 

[msgenie516]

Hi,

About the eggs, my first thought is that they would be fine, especially because of the cold weather (except that if it got so cold that they froze and cracked). The only problem I can think of is if you have a broody hen, she may have been sitting on them for five days keeping them warm, and then I would have my doubts. Have fun with your colored eggs! Genie

Quote:
I agree with you, I HATED that class but I never thought about the reason because it was for girls. If I had thought of that, I probably would have hated it for that reason, also (just a "dimwit" as a teenager and accepted the reasoning that I had to take it because I was a girl, I guess!). I hated it because I hated sewing (the cooking part I actually liked). And it sure didn't help, I still HATE sewing! Sorry to be off the subject, but the thought of Home Economics just made me vent!