QUESTION: How best to store fresh eggs for long term storage?

[Woolly]

I know I've seen a discussion here about coating the eggs with something, but I'm unable to find the reference, and can't remember the details of the process.

I've been thinking that if H5N1 hits here chicken, and the eggs that come from them, are going to be in short supply. Therefore, I'm wondering if there is a strategy for the long term storage of fresh eggs? I am assuming that refrigeration will be available as a part of the strategy.

Assuming that there is such a process, and I'm not hallucinating (Big assumption), how long could you expect to keep fresh eggs in storage?

Thanks all,

Woolly

 

[Charlie]

It's called "waterglass". They used to sell it at pharmacies. Try a Google Search on that and I am sure the old Mother Earth News, etc. articles on it will pop up.

 

[susie0884]

Discussed last week

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=187845&highlight=eggs

 

[It'sJustMe]

I think something called K-peg is what many use. But I heard that is a little spendy. I read long ago that plain old grease was used, in the old days. The eggs were completely covered in the lard of choice, and then placed down inside a cool crock or barrel, in layers of sand, if I recall correctly. Good luck in finding the right way for you! It's Just Me

 

[Vere My Sone]

I think the egg council says they will last 4-5 months in the frig, might not be real fresh, but can still be eaten

Summerthyme says that if you place them in an airtight container in the frig, then they are pretty close to fresh after 6 months

 

[jimmer]

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=187337

jim

 

[Garryowen]

Fertile eggs store better than infertile eggs. For the best results, I suggest finding a farmer who has a small flock that is not confined. IOW not caged layers. We had hens for several years and I never found a spoiled egg.

Eggs you buy at the store may be a couple months old when you get them. And they will be from caged layers almost for certain.

Another thing to remember is not to wash the eggs until just before you use them. The hen adds a sealant to the eggs just before they are layed. I think the old timers used to call it "washing the bloom off the egg." Of course, if the egg is covered with manure, don't worry about the "bloom", and just go ahead and wash it. Most eggs are pretty clean when they are gathered.

I agree with summerthyme that they should keep for six months easily if they are kept cool.

BTW, a chef told me that fertile eggs are lower in cholesterol than eggs from caged layers.

regards,

Garryowen

 

[Woolly]

Thanks, guys.

You've all been a great help!

I didn't realize that I knew so little about eggs. This place is amazing!

Woolly

 

[LilRose8]

Can you freeze eggs if you remove them from the shell? Could you use frozen eggs for baking etc? I have never read anything on this subject. Anyone?

 

[LilRose8]

OK this is beyond weird..I have cut and pasted the same info 4 times and when it arrives on the page it is gone......WTF???

 

[LilRose8]

I give up...synposis...yes you can......mix eggs gently with 1 tsp salt per cup of eggs, place in ice cube trays and freeze.......when frozen place in ziploc bags....one cube equals one egg.

 

[MtnGal]

somewhat off topic.

I saw on Bob's Red Mill a vegetarian egg replacement. Has anyone tried this ?