Fridge or counter?

[tbevans]

I've been collecting my pekin eggs for a few days now and I read it's best not to wash them so I havent, but do they last longer in the fridge or left out on the counter? On average about how long will they last on the counter unwashed? How long will they last in the fridge unwashed? I'm giving them to someone who could really use them and wanted to tell them how long they'd last.

 

[jducour]

They are good on the counter for two weeks, I believe. An unwashed duck egg is good in the fridge for at least 4 months, some people say up to 6. I always put all of mine in the fridge as soon as I collect them. If you aren't planning on incubating them, why leave them out?

 

[tbevans]

Oh wow! I didn't realize they lasted that long!! I'll stick them in the fridge! Thanks so much!

 

[jducour]

Oh wow! I didn't realize they lasted that long!! I'll stick them in the fridge! Thanks so much!

You're welcome! Here is an excellent article on storing eggs - It is written for chicken eggs, though. Duck eggs can have an even longer shelf life than chicken eggs - because the shell is thicker.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/how-to-store-fresh-eggs-zmaz77ndzgoe.aspx

 

[HumbleHen207]

They last on the counter un-washed for quite a while. However, I did encounter someone earlier this year who got a nasty case of salmonella poisoning from her own duck eggs, as she was leaving them un-washed on her counter, and failing to wash them prior to use. I leave mine out for a little while, but they all ultimately wind up in the fridge.