How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last
You can keep your farm fresh eggs at room temperature for up to three weeks if they’re unwashed, thanks to their natural protective coating.
Once washed, they need refrigeration and usually last about two months in the fridge.
Storing them properly in a cool, consistent environment helps maintain freshness and safety.
Want to know the best way to handle, wash, and test your eggs to get the most from them?
Do Farm Fresh Eggs Need To Be Refrigerated?
Although many people assume farm fresh eggs always need refrigeration, you don’t have to refrigerate them if they’re unwashed.
Unwashed eggs retain their natural protective bloom, a thin coating that safeguards fresh eggs from bacteria and moisture loss. This coating allows you to store eggs safely at room temperature for a longer duration without worrying about spoilage.
Unwashed eggs keep their natural bloom, protecting against bacteria and moisture for safe room temperature storage.
Once washed, however, this protective layer is removed, making refrigeration necessary to prevent bacterial contamination.
In many countries, eggs aren’t washed and are kept unrefrigerated for weeks, proving that refrigeration isn’t always essential.
So, if you have unwashed eggs, you can store them comfortably at room temperature.
This way, you can preserve their freshness and quality without the fridge. Just keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight for the best results.
How Long Can Fresh Eggs Stay Unrefrigerated?
If you keep your farm-fresh eggs unwashed, they can stay safe at room temperature for about 2 to 3 weeks thanks to their natural protective coating called the bloom.
This cuticle acts as a barrier, helping maintain freshness and preventing bacteria from entering the shell.
When you store eggs unrefrigerated, make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life.
However, once you wash eggs, you remove this natural protective coating, and their shelf life shortens considerably.
So, you should refrigerate them within a few hours to avoid spoilage.
The actual length eggs remain safe unrefrigerated depends on storage conditions and how fresh they were when collected.
Understanding these factors helps you safely manage the storage and freshness of your farm-fresh eggs.
How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last In The Refrigerator?
When you store farm-fresh eggs in the refrigerator, they can stay good for a surprisingly long time.
Unwashed eggs last up to 3 months because their natural coating remains intact. Meanwhile, washed eggs typically last about 2 months.
To maximize shelf life, store eggs in their original carton inside a sealed container at 40°F or below.
This prevents moisture loss and odor absorption, keeping your eggs fresh longer. Minimal handling also helps preserve quality and safety.
| Egg Type | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Unwashed | Original carton | Up to 3 months |
| Washed | Original carton | About 2 months |
| Unwashed | Sealed container | Up to 3 months |
| Washed | Sealed container | About 2 months |
| Both | Minimal handling | Extended freshness |
Should You Wash Farm Fresh Eggs Before Using?
Knowing how to store farm-fresh eggs properly helps keep them fresh longer, but you might wonder whether you should wash them before use.
It’s best to leave unwashed eggs as they are because they’ve a natural protective coating called the cuticle.
This coating helps maintain freshness and extends shelf life by blocking bacteria.
When you wash eggs too early, you remove this protective layer, which means you must refrigerate them immediately to prevent spoilage.
If your eggs are dirty, gently rinse them with warm water and dry them thoroughly before use or storage.
Most farmers advise washing eggs only right before cracking them to preserve their freshness and safety.
How To Properly Wash Fresh Eggs
Although it’s best to wash farm-fresh eggs only right before use, you’ll want to do it carefully to protect their quality.
To wash eggs properly, use warm water between 90-120°F to gently remove dirt without soaking the eggshell.
Avoid soap or chemicals, as they can harm the egg’s natural protective coating and introduce contaminants.
Use a soft brush or cloth to focus on visible dirt, ensuring cleanliness without damaging the shell.
After washing, dry the eggs thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent bacteria from entering through tiny pores.
Remember, washing eggs before storage can strip the protective coating, making them more vulnerable to bacteria and spoilage.
How To Tell If Eggs Are Still Good: The Egg Float Test
If you want a quick way to check your eggs’ freshness, the egg float test can help.
This method estimates egg quality by observing buoyancy in water. Good eggs typically sink and lie flat, indicating they haven’t reached egg expiration.
Eggs that stand upright or float have a larger air pocket, signaling they’re older, but not necessarily spoiled.
Use the float test alongside smell and texture checks for safety.
| Float Test Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Sinks flat | Very fresh, good eggs |
| Sinks but stands upright | Older, still usable |
| Floats | Likely old, check odor |
| Floats + foul smell | Discard immediately |
| Floats + slimy texture | Discard immediately |
This quick test helps you judge how long eggs last with a simple water check.
Best Practices For Storing Fresh Eggs
After checking your eggs’ freshness with the float test, the next step is to store them properly to keep them at their best.
If your fresh eggs still have their natural bloom and haven’t been washed, you can keep them at room temperature for 2-3 weeks. The bloom acts as a protective layer on the shell, helping to preserve freshness.
However, once you wash your eggs with warm water to remove dirt, make sure to dry them thoroughly, and then refrigerate them.
For refrigeration storage, place eggs in their original carton on a consistent, cool spot in the fridge—ideally below 40°F.
Avoid storing eggs in the door or near strong odors, as these can affect flavor and temperature consistency.
Labeling eggs with collection or expiration dates helps you track freshness easily.
Factors That Affect Egg Shelf Life
Because several factors influence how long farm-fresh eggs stay good, understanding them can help you maximize their shelf life.
The natural protective coating, or bloom, on unwashed eggs plays a vital role by sealing pores and slowing spoilage. Washing removes this protective coating, reducing shelf life, especially if you don’t use refrigeration.
Storage temperature is key—keeping eggs at around 40°F through refrigeration considerably extends freshness.
The age of eggs when you collect them also matters; fresher eggs naturally last longer.
Additionally, handling practices impact shelf life—rough handling or temperature fluctuations can speed up spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know if Farm Fresh Eggs Are Still Good?
You know farm fresh eggs are good if they sink and lie flat in water,
have no cracks or sliminess, smell normal when cracked,
and show a clear yolk and white.
Trust your senses!
Do Farm Fresh Eggs Go Bad Faster Than Store Bought?
No, farm fresh eggs don’t go bad faster than store-bought eggs.
In fact, their natural coating helps them last longer at room temperature.
But once refrigerated, both types have similar shelf lives.
When Should You Not Eat a Farm Fresh Egg?
Back in the Renaissance, you’d toss rotten eggs fast—and you should too!
Don’t eat farm fresh eggs if they’re cracked, float, smell foul, or show weird colors or slimy textures.
Trust your senses to stay safe.
Do Eggs Go Bad After 2 Months in the Fridge?
Yes, eggs can go bad after two months in the fridge,
but many are still safe if they pass freshness tests.
Always check for cracks, sliminess, or foul odor before eating to avoid spoiled eggs.
Conclusion
So, you’ve got your farm fresh eggs—now what?
Don’t just chuck them in the fridge or leave them lounging on the counter like they’re on vacation.
Treat them right: refrigerate if you want them lasting longer, wash them carefully if you must, and don’t freak out if one floats—it’s not a tiny egg boat.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll keep your eggs fresher than your morning coffee… well, almost.
Eggs aren’t that high maintenance, promise!
In conclusion, to keep your farm fresh eggs in top shape, store them in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Handle them with care, and if you need to wash them, do so gently.
And remember, if you see an egg floating, it’s just nature’s way of telling you it might be time to check its freshness.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious farm fresh eggs for as long as possible!
