CARING FOR GATHERED EGGS

Here are some guidelines for gathering fresh eggs and giving them a longer shelf life

• Wash your hands first
• When handling eggs, remember the shells are porous; they breath and absorb moisture and oxygen
• Dust any small dirt or fecal matter off eggs
• Wash fresh eggs only if necessary using a clean soft cloth
• Eggs have a natural protective coating call the bloom
• Washing eggs removes the protective bloom
• Spot clean only as needed
• If water needed to wash eggs, use water warmer than the egg
• Dry immediately with a soft, clean towel - don't air dry or put away wet
• Discard significantly soiled eggs or feed to animals - great for dogs and cats and chickens
• Use only clean egg cartons or storage containers.

And a few more egg tips: 
Eggs with full bloom can last up to 4 months, without bloom lasts 1 month

While refrigerating eggs is not required, it is common in the US.  If you choose to follow this custom, once refrigerated, eggs should be kept refrigerated.

Plastic refrigerator egg containers don't allow eggs to breathe.  These containers are ok for boiled eggs, but better to avoid for fresh eggs.

Wash your egg cleaning and processing area with disinfectant. 

Happy egg hunting and gathering.
May you have plenty for your home and enough to share with a friend or two.

 

With three acres on which to scratch, peck and lay eggs, 
there are days when "the girls" make gathering eggs
truly an egg hunt
Grab the basket and join the fun
if it suits your fancy.

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