Our 30-something acres of rolling hills atop Crowley’s Ridge is home to our 30-something chickens. Upon moving in, Zach and Ashley found an overgrown chicken coop. A little TLC later, they purchased a neighbor’s mixed flock of retired 4-H project laying hens. Fast forward to now, a coop and run renovation, and an obsession with the wide varieties of egg colors later, their flock has grown tremendously. Their two girls enjoy feeding and caring for the chickens, and most of all, gathering eggs and comparing the variety of shades.
UNWASHED EGGS
Unwashed eggs are covered with a protective bloom. This bloom seals the cuticle of the egg and allows for a longer shelf life, both stored on the counter or in the refrigerator.
Unwashed eggs are protected from bacteria that lives on the shell surface, but upon washing, bacteria could enter the egg and cause it to ruin. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, so it is important for eggs to be refrigerated even if unwashed. This also prevents development of fertilized eggs, since our flock does contain roosters.
Refrigerated unwashed eggs stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator stay fresh for up to three months.
WASHED EGGS
Washing an egg removes the protective bloom produced by the chicken that prevents bacteria from moving into the egg.
Washed eggs, once refrigerated, should not be left out on the counter for longer than two hours to prevent sweating, which could initiate bacterial movement into the egg.
After we wash our eggs sold at local retailers with warm water and a mild detergent, we air dry them according to USDA standards and store them in the refrigerator within two hours.
Washed refrigerated eggs stay fresh for three months.