How to Preserve Chicken Eggs: Don’t Let Your Hens’ Hard Work Go to Waste!

Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Veronica Sparks

If you’re raising backyard chickens and they’re producing more than you can eat, knowing how to preserve chicken eggs can ensure none of their hard work goes to waste.

Preserving food, especially something as perishable as eggs, can be both an art and a science. Let’s explore several methods to store and preserve chicken eggs so you can enjoy them long after they’ve been laid.

How Long Do Fresh Eggs Last?

Farm fresh eggs can last on the counter for about two weeks due to their protective bloom coating, which keeps bacteria out and moisture in. It’s important not to wash fresh eggs if you plan to store them on the counter, as washing removes this protective layer.

If you do wash the eggs, they must be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. Once refrigerated, farm fresh eggs can last for up to three months, maintaining their quality and safety for consumption.

How to Preserve Fresh Eggs: Storing Them Raw

Fresh eggs can last longer than you might think with the right storage methods. While refrigerating is the most common way to store eggs, there are several other methods that can help prolong their shelf life.

Let’s dive into some traditional and unconventional techniques for keeping those raw eggs fresh and ready to use.

Lime Water (A.K.A. “Water Glassing”)

One of the oldest methods for storing eggs is water glassing. This technique involves immersing fresh, unwashed eggs in a solution of lime (calcium hydroxide) and water. The lime forms a protective layer around the eggshells, preventing air and bacteria from getting in.

To use this method:

1. Mix 1 ounce of lime with 1 quart of water.
2. Place clean, unwashed eggs in a large, food-safe container.
3. Pour the lime solution over the eggs, ensuring they are completely submerged.
4. Store the container in a cool, dark place.

Water glassing can keep your eggs fresh for up to a year!

Buttered Eggs

Another old-fashioned method for preserving eggs is coating them in butter. The butter forms a barrier that prevents air and bacteria from penetrating the eggshell. However, this method should be reserved for preserving freshly-laid eggs.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Melt some butter and let it cool slightly.
2. Using a brush, coat each egg in a thin layer of butter.
3. Place the buttered eggs in an egg carton and store them in the refrigerator or in another cool place, like a cellar.

This method does impart a slightly buttery taste to eggs, but can extend the shelf life of your eggs significantly. In fact, they can stay fresh up to six months when coated in butter and stored in the refrigerator.

Petroleum Jelly

Another coating egg preservation method, using petroleum jelly is a simple and effective way to keep them fresh longer. The petroleum jelly seals the pores of the eggshell, reducing moisture loss and protecting against bacteria.

To use this method:

1. Wash and dry your eggs thoroughly.
2. Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly over each egg.
3. Store the coated eggs in an egg carton in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.

With this method, eggs can stay fresh for up to 3-4 months.

Beeswax

A more natural alternative to petroleum jelly is beeswax. The beeswax also creates a protective coating for your eggs. Then, you can store the coated eggs in containers filled with oats, straw, or some other soft material.

Here’s how:

1. Melt some beeswax in a double boiler.
2. Dip each egg in the melted beeswax and then roll it in oats.
3. Allow the coating to dry and then store the eggs in a cool, dark place.

This method not only preserves the eggs but also gives them a pleasant, earthy aroma.

Preservation Methods for Eggs

Beyond just storing them, there are several techniques for how to preserve chicken eggs that can extend their usability even further. These methods transform the eggs into new forms that can be used in various recipes or enjoyed as snacks.

Pickle Your Eggs

Pickling eggs is a popular method that not only preserves them but also adds a tangy flavor.

To pickle your eggs, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar)
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Your choice of spices

Here’s how to pickle the eggs:

1. Hard-boil eggs and peel them.
2. Prepare a pickling brine by combining the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices and heating the solution to a boil until the salt and sugar dissolve.
3. Place the eggs in a jar and pour the pickling solution over them.
4. Seal the jar and allow it to cool at room temperature.
5. Store it in the refrigerator for at least a week before consuming.

Pickled eggs can last in the fridge for several months and make a delicious snack or addition to salads.

Dehydrate Your Eggs

Dehydrating eggs is a great way to make them shelf-stable and easy to store. You can use either an oven or a food dehydrator for this process:

1. Whisk the eggs until well blended.
2. Pour the eggs onto a dehydrator tray lined with a fruit roll sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Dry the eggs at a low temperature (around 140°F) until they become brittle. You can do this in the oven or using a dehydrator.
4. Grind the dried eggs into a powder and store in airtight containers.

Dehydrated scrambled eggs, if stored in a mylar bag with an oxygen absorber, can last 5-10 years! When you’re ready to eat them, dehydrated eggs can be reconstituted with water and used in baking or cooking.

Freeze Your Eggs

Freezing eggs is a convenient way to preserve them, especially when you have a large surplus. Here’s how you can freeze your eggs:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until blended.
2. Pour the eggs into ice cube trays or muffin tins.
3. Freeze until solid, then transfer the egg cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Frozen eggs last up to a year, but are best used within a few months. You can thaw the and use them in any recipe that calls for fresh eggs.

Related Article: 9 Uses for Egg Shells You Need to Know

Preservable Recipes That Use a Ton of Eggs

If you’re looking for ways to use up a large number of excess eggs, consider making recipes that can be preserved or stored for later use. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Frozen Custard

Frozen custard is a rich and creamy dessert that uses plenty of eggs. To make frozen custard:

1. Heat milk and cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
2. Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
3. Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
5. Pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn until frozen.

Store the frozen custard in an airtight container in the freezer.

Pound Cake or Sponge Cake

Pound cakes and sponge cakes are perfect for using up lots of eggs and can be frozen for later enjoyment. To make a pound cake:

1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in flour and any flavorings (like vanilla or lemon zest).
4. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake until golden brown.

Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.

Homemade Egg Noodles

Homemade egg noodles are a versatile ingredient that can be dried and stored in mylar bags. To make egg noodles:

1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Create a well in the center and add eggs.
3. Gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough until smooth, then roll out thin and cut into strips.
5. Dry the noodles on a rack or hang them to dry.

Store the dried noodles in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage.

Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise sauce is a luxurious way to use eggs and can be frozen for later use. To make hollandaise sauce:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
2. Whisk egg yolks with lemon juice until combined.
3. Slowly add the melted butter to the egg yolks, whisking constantly until thickened.
4. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste.

Pour the sauce into small containers and freeze.

Ready to Learn How to Preserve Chicken Eggs?

Knowing how to preserve chicken eggs ensures you can enjoy the fruits of your hens’ labor long after they’ve been laid. From traditional methods like water glassing and buttered eggs to modern techniques like freezing and dehydrating, there are plenty of ways to keep your eggs fresh and usable.

Additionally, by incorporating eggs into preservable recipes, you can make the most of your bounty. With these tips and tricks, you’ll never have to worry about wasting a single egg again.