Eggs - Refrigerate or not

[lbchickens9]

Can anyone tell me if eggs collected to eat should be refrigerated or left out in a cool place in the home.? I've gotten conflicting information on this and don't want to eat eggs that could be bad. Also, how long will eggs last in refrigerator/non-refrigerated?

The farm store that sells free range eggs do not refrigerate their eggs and say not to refrigerate them. A farmer, who is also a nutritionist, says to refrigerate. I'm confused.

Thanks!

 

[thasista]

I have read and follow this advice to refridgerate, don't wash eggs, and they should last for 80 days. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

This is a great article:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/1977-11-01/Fresh-Eggs.aspx#axzz2LYAtoo5h

When is laid the chicken's body coats it with a "bloom" to keep out bacteria so it can stay good until she in theory decides to brood. If you do NOT wash your egg then the bloom is in tact and you can leave them on the counter as long as it is not super hot in your house. If you wash your eggs you need to refrigerate. Refrigerating eggs is more of an American thing and in lots of other countries where farms and markets are closer together eggs are store non-refrigerated in stores.

I leave mine out and wash before I cook. If I have some that are a month or older that I have not gotten to I either hard boil or give to the dogs. I am not certain how long they are actually good.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I have read and follow this advice to refridgerate, don't wash eggs, and they should last for 80 days. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

It is my understanding that if you refrigerate you should wash first. If you put the eggs in the frig they sweat and this sweat ruins the bloom so any bacteria on the egg can now get in and the frig does not kill all bacteria.

So I would say wash and refrigerate or do not wash and do not refrigerate -- either is fine but don't criss cross. If someone has different info please let me know. I'm always curious.

(I think there is a way to dry wash your counter egg if you want to but I dont know what it is -- does anyone?)

 

[lbchickens9]

ChickenRDinos,

Where did you get your egg cyclone? It's wonderful!

 

[ChickensRDinos]

here: http://www.mannapro.com/products/poultry/the-egg-skelter/

I love it!