Blog

Storing Farm Fresh Eggs

For backyard growers, there’s nothing more exciting than the moment their hens reach laying maturity. It’s incredibly satisfying to gather up that first basket of farm fresh eggs from your own coop.


However, as your hens reach peak production, you may eventually run into the problem of having excess eggs—more than you even know what to do with.

And further, you might wonder how to properly store all of those extra eggs that seem to be piling up on your counter. Is it better to wash your eggs or leave them unwashed? And how long do farm fresh eggs last anyway? Ask any chicken keeper, and you’re bound to get a different answer each time.

The best way to store your eggs comes down to personal preference, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. We will share how to safely store and enjoy your eggs, whether you prefer to keep them at room temperature or refrigerate them.

Handling Fresh Eggs Safely

All poultry have the potential to carry Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness in humans. This is why we always recommend washing your hands after handling your chickens.

The same safety precautions should apply when handling eggs from your backyard. Always wash your hands before and after handling fresh eggs to prevent the potential spread of Salmonella.

Eggs come from the vent of a chicken, which is where they also excrete waste. Salmonella can be present on the shell due to contamination during or after laying, especially if eggs come into contact with manure.

Whether you choose to leave your eggs washed or unwashed is up to you, but they should always be washed right before cooking to prevent bacteria from contaminating your food. 

What is Egg Bloom?

All farm fresh eggs have a bloom, also known as the cuticle. This protective natural layer seals the pores of the egg and prevents bacteria from entering.

The bloom slightly alters the egg's appearance, sometimes adding a subtle hue change, as outlined in our chicken egg colors blog. If you choose to leave the egg bloom intact, you can safely store your eggs at room temperature.

In the United States, commercial eggs are required to be washed and sanitized, which removes the bloom. This is why store-bought eggs must be refrigerated, whereas farm fresh eggs can remain at room temperature if left unwashed.

Unwashed Eggs

Unwashed eggs are more commonly seen in Europe, where cultural preferences and limited access to refrigeration throughout the packing and shipping process make storage at room temperature the norm.

Many backyard growers prefer to leave their eggs unwashed and display them on the kitchen counter. Especially if you have a colorful egg basket, you'd probably prefer to show it off rather than put your eggs in the fridge.


Room temperature eggs are perfectly safe to eat, so long as the following conditions have been met:
 

• The egg is unwashed and the egg bloom is still intact.
• The egg has been stored in a stable temperature environment.
• The shell is intact with no cracks or signs of damage.

So, exactly how long do unwashed eggs last? That depends, but if you follow best practices, fresh, unwashed eggs should last at room temperature on the counter for about 2-4 weeks.

How to Wash Fresh Eggs

If you choose to wash your eggs, you are removing the protective bloom that keeps them fresh and protected from bacteria. In this case, you must refrigerate them, as they will spoil if left at room temperature.

To do a proper egg wash before refrigeration, here is what we recommend:
 

• Remove excess dirt or manure from the shell with a cloth, soft brush, or fine sandpaper.
• Use water that is warmer than the temperature of the egg. Cold water can cause the egg's pores to contract and pull in bacteria. Aim for 90 to 120 degrees.
• Do not soak or excessively scrub your eggs, as this will compromise their integrity. A quick rinse and a dash of detergent or egg wash should be enough.
• If using a kitchen sink to clean your eggs, always thoroughly clean and disinfect the area after washing to prevent the spread of salmonella.
• Allow your eggs to dry on a wire rack or colander before storing in the fridge. Place your eggs in the fridge within 2 hours to avoid the growth of bacteria.

The main benefit to washing and refrigerating your eggs is that they will last longer than room temperature eggs on the counter. Properly washed and stored refrigerated eggs will last about three months or longer.

How to Test Your Eggs for Freshness

There are a few methods to test the freshness of an egg at home. One of the easiest ways is the float test. This test is not a foolproof method for gauging the safety of eggs, but it will give you some idea of how fresh an egg is.


Place your egg in a glass of water. If it floats, that means there is an excess amount of air built up inside the eggshell, which happens to eggs as they age. This is a sign that the egg is too old to eat.

If it sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, this is a good sign that the egg is fresh and safe to eat. If it sinks to the bottom but points to the top, the egg is not as fresh, but should still be ok to consume.

The best way to keep track of your egg freshness is to date and organize your eggs immediately after collecting them. This way, you’ll have a good idea of when your eggs will go bad, and you’ll be able to use the oldest eggs first.

And if all else fails, the smell test is a pretty surefire way to tell whether your eggs have gone bad. Crack the egg open into a bowl and give it a good sniff—if it smells like sulfur or looks off, throw it out.

Best Practices for Backyard Eggs

To keep yourself and your family safe, it’s good to follow some safety protocols with your backyard eggs. These are some tips we always recommend:

Never use an egg that is cracked or damaged. Your chickens will lay more eggs, so it’s best to dispose of eggs you aren’t sure about.

Try to collect your eggs every day. Especially on extremely cold or hot days, you may want to collect multiple times a day to protect the integrity of the eggs.

Keep your chicken coop as clean as possible. If you allow excessive amounts of manure to build up in the coop or in nesting boxes, you have a higher chance of exposing yourself to salmonella.

If packaging or storing your eggs, placing them pointy end down will preserve freshness.

If an egg has ever been refrigerated, it needs to stay that way—allowing a cold egg to sit out at room temperature can cause it to sweat, leading to bacterial growth. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out for longer than two hours.

Selling Farm Fresh Eggs

If you’ve shared your eggs with your neighbors, friends, and coworkers, but still find yourself with more eggs than you know what to do with, then you may consider selling your eggs to your local community and beyond.


Before you get started, there are a few general food safety guidelines to keep in mind. The rules vary by location, but here in Pennsylvania, there are specific regulations for small-scale producers with fewer than 3,000 layers in their flock:
 

• Eggs must be sold within five days of the lay date for ungraded eggs.
• Eggs must be sold on-site or within a 100-mile radius.
• Egg temperature must be maintained at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

If a producer chooses to grade eggs, different regulations may apply.

For a full breakdown on labeling and packaging, you can refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for more information on how to safely and legally sell your fresh eggs.

Where Can I Find Farm Fresh Eggs Near Me?

We know that not everyone can raise their own poultry at home. So, what do you do if you want fresh eggs at your fingertips?


Depending on where you live, there are plenty of ways to find farm fresh eggs nearby. Whether you visit a local farmers market, connect with a local grower, or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, you’re bound to find fresh eggs in your area.

Home and Harvest in Beford, Pennsylvania has a beautiful store that sells farm fresh eggs, as well as other household goods and gifts. 

The Myers Poultry team works with a variety of farms that have their own farm stores or markets, so the local community can have access to the freshest produce and eggs available.

Walnut Hill Farm sells fresh eggs directly on their farm, as well as to a few local retailers. Their birds and other livestock are all pasture-raised. 

Lindenhof Farm also sells eggs from their pasture-raised poultry in outdoor markets year-round. If you’re local to Pennsylvania, you can find them in a variety of locations. 

And if you need a container to store all of those eggs, Reclaimed and Concrete offers handmade egg holders that are easy to clean and make for a beautiful display.

Get Farm Fresh Eggs Every Day with Myers Poultry

Whether you’re collecting your first egg or managing an overflowing basket, knowing how to properly handle and store farm fresh eggs makes all the difference. From understanding the protective bloom to choosing whether to refrigerate or display your eggs proudly on the counter, these simple practices will help you get the most out of your flock’s hard work.

At Myers Poultry, we’re happy to support new and seasoned chicken keepers every step of the way. If you have questions about egg safety or caring for your birds, our team is just a call or email away.