Egg Handling and Storage

[Momagain1]

Mine are stored room temp, in an egg basket...even with hot degrees outside...
not washed until we need them.

 

[CarolJ]

I wash mine as soon as I collect them (very warm water and an organic egg wash I buy at the Co-op). I pat them dry, put them in a carton labeled with the day they were laid and put them in the refrigerator. Everything I've read says they stay fresher longer in the refrigerator. So I refrigerate them. If you're going to use them within a few days and you just want to keep them on the kitchen counter, then go for it. For me, I just can't see any reason not to refrigerate them. That's what works for me.

 

[moodlymoo]

I an totally new to chickens so please help. Why not wash and why not put in fridge?

 

[BunnyMomma]

I gather my eggs twice a day usually, then each evening I wash each egg by hand in clean, warm soapy water with a Tbs. of bleach. Then I stack them in a colander and rinse them with cold water. I don't submerge the eggs at any time while washing them. Then I let them air dry, and palce them in clean cartons for my customers. I havn't noticed any off taste or odors and my customers appreciate the clean eggs. I personally feel more confident cooking and eating eggs that are cleaned and sanitized. Everyone has their own preferences and I feel that whatever makes you feel safest should be the way to go.
Hugs! Bunny

 

[slurrywidow]

We gather our eggs multiple times a day here. My kiddos still love going out and finding the "treasures". I don't wash most eggs either and I don't put them in the refrigerator. I've read that fresh eggs can last for a few months in the fridge. If I do happen to get a dirty egg, then I will wash and refrigerate but those get eaten first.

 

[slurrywidow]

Quote:
Eggs have a natural bloom on them. Think "protective shield". When you wash them you risk damaging/washing off the bloom which allows bacteria to get through the porous shell. Most people that don't wash then feel comfortable keeping the eggs on the counter because they are protected. I think when you wash them you should do so at a higher water temp like suggested above and then refrigerate. But you should do what makes you the most comfortable.

I don't refrigerate because I think it starts to break down the freshness/fluffyness of the egg. But that's just me.

Have fun!

 

[KDK1]

Quote:
very interesting!! ....why the pointy side down???

Storing the egg pointy side down helps retain moisture in the egg.

 

[nifty50chick]

I will stop feeling bad for the eggs sitting on the counter all day before i put them in the fridge!

 

[Ole rooster]

All or your reasons for not refrigerating are interesting.

gritsar..can you give reasons why you do what you do with your eggs. How long do you figure eggs are good for not refrigerated?

 

[happyhens120]

Mine go right into the fridge, unwashed. I feed two boys, and my husband takes egg sandwiches to work, so we rarely have to worry about them being in there too long! I wash them in the hottest water my hands can handle right before cooking, as it is supposed to open the pores of the egg and pull out any bacteria. I also make sure to wash my hands well after washing the eggs.

*edited because I can't spell today!