Storing a Glut of Eggs

A backyard flock in full spring lay produces eggs faster than most households can eat them. Fresh eggs keep far longer than people think, and a few simple methods stretch a glut well past the laying peak.

How long fresh eggs keep

A freshly laid egg has a natural coating called the bloom that seals the shell, so unwashed eggs keep for a couple of weeks or more in a cool cupboard and considerably longer in the fridge. This is why you should not wash eggs until you use them, since washing strips the bloom and shortens their life. Store them point-down to keep the yolk centred.

The float test

To check an older egg, lower it into a glass of water. A fresh egg sinks and lies on its side, an older but still good egg stands on end, and a stale one floats and should be thrown out. The float happens as the air cell inside grows over time, so it is a reliable freshness gauge for backyard eggs of unknown age.

• Keep unwashed eggs cool and do not wash until use
• Use the float test on any egg whose age you are unsure of
• Mark the date on eggs if you are storing batches

Preserving a surplus

To keep eggs for months, freezing is the simplest method, since whole eggs crack and beat together freeze well in portions, as do separated whites and yolks, though not in the shell. Surplus eggs also go into baking, pickling hard-boiled eggs, or the traditional method of preserving in waterglass for the winter when the hens slow down. Whatever you choose, label the date, because a spring glut frozen now is a welcome supply through the short days when laying drops away.