Refrigerating Eggs.

[abi24]

After my hen lays an egg how long can it be "warm" and still be edible?

Do you ever have to refrigerate?

Thanks for your help.

 

[GermanChick]

I don't know how long it will be good without refrigerating. But in Germany they don't refrigerate eggs in the stores, they are just on a regular shelf.

 

[Ravie]

Seriously, they leave them on a regular shelf? How interesting. I would like to know the answer to this question too. My mother in law leaves some of her eggs out on the counter for a day or two. I always just assumed there was something wrong with those. Thought she might be using them for pet food or something. Maybe I've been wrong. Now I'll have to ask her!

 

[TwoChicks]

I googled:

"Here's the difference: in the US, there are laws mandating that (USDA rated) eggs be washed and sanitized before they are sold. This removes a protective membrane that allows for safe room-temperature storage. In other countries, the membrane is not washed off, which is why they're sold in regular aisles."


"The shell is produced by the shell gland (uterus) of the oviduct, and has an outer coating, the bloom or cuticle. The cuticle somewhat seals the pores and is useful in reducing moisture losses and in preventing bacterial penetration of the egg shell. Much of the cuticle is removed from table eggs when they are mechanically washed."


I personally have seen some relatives who had working farms (when I was a lot younger) store them on the counter in a neat little wire basket.

 

[woodmort]

You've been brainwashed by commercially produced eggs which have to be washed because they are produced under such dirty conditions that there is danger that bacteria will be absorbed into the egg. The ones from your flock shouldn't need this so they will easily keep a week or two without refrigeration. Once you wash them, however, they should be refrigerated.

 

[abi24]

Thanks for your help. I read a book at Chapters last night and the author mentioned that if they are unwashed they do not have to be refrigerated.

However most modern refrigerators have a defrost cycle which greatly reduces the moisture of the egg and thus shortening the shelf life.

He recommended refrigerating as soon as you can and keeping them covered in the frig. Never store them in the egg trays on the refrigerator door.

Keeping them this way and they will be fine for at least 5 weeks.

 

[ZooMummzy]

I lived in Italy for awhile and they are just on the shelves there too, no refrigeration. I never wash my eggs and never worry if I don't have room in the fridge for them. Makes life much easier

 

[mpearce41]

Thank you Woodmort for that information.

 

[BayouPoules]

When I lived in Scotland, we bought them in little woven baskets off the shelf,.. it was difficult to get past the brainwashing of thinking they were not OK,.

But they were fine!

 

[cluckcluck42]

I was raised thinking eggs go in the fridge, eggs must be washed. Now I do not wash mine and leave them on the counter for awhile if I do not have fridge space. Absolutely no harm done (so far). If I was selling eggs I would also not wash (just wouldnt sell any really dirty eggs) but would refridgerate.