If you’re fortunate enough to have access to farm fresh eggs, you know the joy of enjoying eggs straight from the source. However, one of the first tasks you’ll face when collecting these eggs is cleaning them. Unlike store-bought eggs, which are washed and processed before reaching your kitchen, farm fresh eggs often come with dirt, feathers, or even the occasional bit of manure. So, how do you safely clean these eggs while preserving their quality and safety?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of washing farm fresh eggs and some important tips to keep in mind.
WHEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR FARM FRESH EGGS
If you plan on using farm fresh eggs right away or plan to store them in the refrigerator, then it is best to clean them right away. It is fairly typical for some farm fresh eggs to have some dirt, mud, feathers or manure stuck to them.
Luckily, eggs have a natural protective coating called the “bloom” or cuticle, which seals the eggshell’s pores and helps keep bacteria out. Which is why unwashed, visibly clean farm fresh eggs are safe to store on the counter. But, once the egg has been washed you risk removing this protective layer “bloom”, which makes it more susceptible to spoilage which is why eggs that have been washed need to be stored in the fridge.
HOW TO WASH YOUR FARM FRESH EGGS
What You’ll Need:
- Bowl or Sink
- Soft Sponge, Cloth or Silicone Egg Scrubber
- Egg Wash Solution (Optional)
- Warm Water
- Clean Dry Towel
USE WARM WATER
The key to washing farm-fresh eggs is to use warm water, not hot or cold water. The temperature of the water should be a little warmer than the eggs, but not so hot that it causes the egg to crack. Hot water can also cause the egg to absorb bacteria from the outside, while cold water can cause the contents inside to contract, possibly pulling bacteria in through the shell’s pores. *Avoid submerging the eggs in water. Instead, gently rinse them.
GENTLY REMOVE ANY DEBRIS
If there’s dirt or debris stuck to the eggs, use a soft sponge, cloth or silicone egg scrubber to gently rub it away. Work quickly to minimize the time the egg is in water, as prolonged soaking can strip the bloom and make the shell more porous.
DRY THROUGHLY
Once cleaned, place the eggs on a clean towel to dry completely. You don’t want to leave any moisture on the eggs because that can cause them to spoil more quickly. Make sure the eggs are dry before you store them.
STORE IN FRIDGE
After washing, eggs should ideally be refrigerated to preserve freshness. Store pointed end down in the carton. Washed farm-fresh eggs will typically last 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge.
Washing farm-fresh eggs doesn’t have to be a complicated process, but it does require some care to avoid compromising the quality of the egg. Remember to use warm water, avoid harsh chemicals, and dry them thoroughly before storing.
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