What to Do with Newly Laid Eggs: Tips for Fresh Egg Care and Storage?

What to Do with Newly Laid Eggs? Tips for Fresh Egg Care

The Excitement of Fresh Eggs: Now What?

So, you’ve just gotten some freshly laid eggs from your chickens—congratulations! There's a certain joy in collecting eggs straight from the nest, right? But then comes the big question: what do you do with them? You don’t just toss them in the fridge and forget about them, do you? There’s a lot more to it if you want to preserve their freshness and make sure they’re safe for eating.

Let’s dive into the essential steps you should take when you get newly laid eggs. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of egg-related hiccups (one time I accidentally left a batch out on the counter for a little too long—oops!), so let’s get it right from the start this time!

Collecting the Eggs: Best Practices

How Often Should You Collect the Eggs?

When you’re collecting eggs, timing is everything. Ideally, you want to check your chickens’ nesting boxes at least once a day. I learned this the hard way. One day I didn’t check early enough and found a broken egg in the nest—what a mess! To avoid that, try to make it a habit to collect the eggs in the morning or early afternoon.

If you live in a warm climate, it’s especially important to collect the eggs frequently because the heat can affect their quality.

Handling Fresh Eggs: Gentle Touch is Key

The first thing you’ll notice about fresh eggs is how smooth and clean they are—well, until your hens get a bit... messy, that is. Be gentle when handling them, especially if they’re freshly laid. You don’t want to crack them, and let’s be honest, there’s something magical about the pristine quality of a freshly laid egg that’s worth preserving.

But don’t worry if you do find a bit of dirt on the eggs. Just wipe them gently with a dry cloth. Don’t wash them with water unless you absolutely have to, as it can remove the protective coating that helps keep bacteria out.

Storing Your Fresh Eggs

Refrigeration or Room Temperature?

You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about whether or not fresh eggs should be refrigerated, and honestly, it depends on where you live and how soon you plan to use them. In some countries, it’s common to store eggs at room temperature, but in the US, most people refrigerate their eggs to extend shelf life.

Here’s the deal: if your eggs are super fresh and you plan to use them within a week or two, room temperature storage is totally fine. But if you’re not planning on using them soon, it’s best to pop them in the fridge. I learned that storing eggs at room temperature can actually enhance their flavor—crazy, right? But remember, once you refrigerate them, keep them refrigerated to avoid any condensation that might affect their quality.

How Long Can Fresh Eggs Stay Fresh?

Freshly laid eggs can last a pretty long time if stored properly. At room temperature, they’ll generally stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but once refrigerated, they can last for 3–5 weeks. Of course, always do the float test before using older eggs. If they float, toss them. If they sink to the bottom and lay flat, they’re good to go!

Can You Freeze Fresh Eggs?

If you find yourself with more eggs than you can eat (lucky you!), freezing eggs is a great option. However, you shouldn’t freeze them in the shell. Instead, crack them open, beat them lightly, and pour them into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. This way, you’ll have scrambled egg portions ready to go when you need them.

I remember freezing a batch of eggs a few months back. I was skeptical, but they were perfect when I defrosted them for breakfast. They might not be great for frying once frozen, but for baking or scrambling, they’re a dream!

What About Egg Preservation?

Can You Water Glass Your Eggs?

Water glassing is an old-school method of preserving eggs by submerging them in a water-and-sodium-silicate solution. It’s not as common today, but I’ve had a friend swear by it for preserving eggs for up to 6 months! To be honest, I’ve never tried it myself, but after hearing her rave about it, I might give it a go.

Candling Your Eggs: To Check or Not to Check?

Candling is a method used to inspect the quality of eggs. By holding the egg up to a bright light, you can see whether the egg is fertilized or check for cracks or air cells. Personally, I didn’t think it was that important until I found out that you can use it to ensure your eggs are fresh. It’s a bit of a process, but if you want to be extra sure about the condition of your eggs, it’s worth the effort.

Cooking Fresh Eggs: The Best Ways to Enjoy Them

Scrambled, Fried, or Boiled? So Many Choices!

The beauty of fresh eggs is in how versatile they are. Freshly laid eggs have a richer flavor and a firmer texture than store-bought eggs, which makes them perfect for any dish. Personally, I love making a scrambled egg breakfast with a bit of cheese and herbs—heavenly! And don’t even get me started on making deviled eggs with freshly laid eggs... They’re just on another level.

Make Sure to Cook Them Well

One final note on cooking fresh eggs: while they’re incredibly fresh, it’s still important to cook them well to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Eggs are great in many dishes, but be sure to cook them thoroughly—especially if you’re preparing them for children or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Conclusion: Fresh Eggs Are a Gift, So Treat Them Right

Newly laid eggs are a true gift, and by following these simple tips, you can enjoy them at their best. Whether you’re storing, cooking, or preserving them, the key is to handle them with care and use them while they’re fresh. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference! So, now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to go enjoy those eggs—cooked or fresh, they’re bound to make your day brighter.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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