How to care for unwashed farm fresh eggs

How to care for unwashed farm fresh eggs

How to Care for Unwashed Eggs: Everything You Need to Know About Nature’s Perfect Packaging 🥚✨

If you’ve recently been blessed with a carton of farm-fresh, unwashed eggs—or are raising your own chickens—you might be wondering:
Do I refrigerate them? Can I wash them? How long do they last?

Great questions! Unlike store-bought eggs, unwashed eggs come with a magical built-in protection layer that keeps them fresh and safe—without refrigeration. Let’s break it down so you can enjoy every egg with confidence!

🐔 First Things First: What Is an Unwashed Egg?

When a hen lays an egg, she coats it with a natural, invisible layer called the “bloom” or cuticle. This protective coating seals the shell’s pores and prevents bacteria from getting in.

In commercial egg production, this bloom is washed off, and the eggs are then refrigerated to keep them safe.
On the farm? We skip the scrubbing and leave the bloom intact, which keeps the egg naturally protected—just the way nature intended.

🧊 To Chill or Not to Chill?

Here’s where it gets fun:
Unwashed eggs don’t need to be refrigerated—as long as the bloom is still on!

  • 🧺 On the counter: Unwashed eggs can safely sit at room temperature for 2–3 weeks (some say even longer).

  • ❄️ In the fridge: They can last up to 3 months or more. Yes, really!

💡 Tip: Once you refrigerate an egg, keep it refrigerated. Taking it in and out causes condensation, which can weaken the shell and increase risk of bacteria.

🚿 Should You Wash Farm-Fresh Eggs?

Short answer: No.
Long answer: Still no—unless you're about to use them.

Washing removes the protective bloom. If an egg is a little dirty, try gently brushing it with a dry cloth or soft brush.
If it’s really messy (chicken butts, y’all), rinse right before cooking with warm (not cold) water and dry immediately.

🥚 Storage Tips for Unwashed Eggs

  • Store pointy-side down (helps keep the yolk centered)

  • Keep them in a clean egg carton, basket, or cute countertop egg tray

  • Label with collection dates if you gather often

  • Don’t store near strong-smelling foods (eggshells are porous!)

🧠 Bonus Fun Fact: Europe Doesn’t Refrigerate Their Eggs

Most countries outside the U.S. never wash their eggs and keep them at room temp—just like we do on the farm. It’s safe, smart, and a whole lot simpler when the bloom does the work.

👩🌾 Farm-Fresh Eggs Deserve a Little Extra Love

Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just got your first dozen from your favorite local mini-farm (hey, maybe even from us 😉), understanding how to handle unwashed eggs is key to keeping them fresh, safe, and delicious.

So go ahead—leave that carton on the counter and feel good knowing you’re using food the way nature designed it. Bloom-on, friends! 🐣💛

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