Your chickens lay enough eggs that you can’t eat them all at once and want to store them, but your mind is questioning how long chicken eggs last Or how long you can keep them for later eating.
In this article, we will equip you with all the practical knowledge about chicken eggs, such as the shelf life of different types of eggs, how to tell if an egg is spoiled, and how to store chicken eggs properly.
Let’s begin.
How Long Do Chicken Eggs Last
So, to know how long can chicken eggs last or how long are fresh chicken eggs good for, first, you need to understand what types of eggs you have and where you keep them.
“_Store-bought eggs, they come with a “best before” date to indicate their shelf life, but you can still use after expiry date if they are in the refrigerator. Fresh, unwashed eggs can last about 3 weeks at room temperature and about 3 months or more in the fridge_”
“_If properly stored they, they can last up to 3 to 4 months and up to 1 year if you freeze them without their shells._”
If you do not want to eat eggs immediately, keep them in the refrigerator without washing them; this will help them last longer.
Here are the most common questions about the shelf life or longevity of chicken eggs that you need to know if you have hen chickens:
How long do unwashed chicken eggs last?
Unwashed chicken eggs last longer than washed eggs. For example, unwashed eggs will last around three weeks if kept unrefrigerated, but if kept in the refrigerator, they will last about three months or more.
Why do unwashed eggs last longer?
Eggs have an outermost natural barrier called the cuticle (bloom), a protein layer that covers the egg’s surface and fills the pores that allow air inside.
This cuticle prevents bacteria from entering the egg, serving as its first defence against infection. If you wash the eggs, their natural barrier, “bloom,” will rinse with water, making them more vulnerable to bacteria and infectious pathogens.
That’s why washing chicken eggs is not recommended.
How long do chicken eggs last in the refrigerator?
Typically, chicken eggs last in the refrigerator for about three months, but if you properly store them, they can last more than three months without losing egg quality. You can also freeze eggs if you want to store them for a year.
Store-bought eggs, with their ‘best before’ date, typically last until their expiration date in the refrigerator. On the other hand, fresh, unwashed eggs can last about 3 weeks at room temperature and about 3 months or more in the fridge.
How Long Can Fresh Eggs Stay Unrefrigerated?
Fresh eggs at room temperatures (below 70°F or 21°C), clean and uncracked, with a natural coating bloom or cuticle, can be unrefrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks.
In warmer climates, it’s best to refrigerate eggs to prevent spoilage. When the outer temperature is above 90°F (32°C), eggs should not be unrefrigerated for more than 1 hour.
How long do fresh chicken eggs last at room temperature?
Fresh eggs at room temperatures (below 70°F or 21°C), clean and uncracked, with a natural coating bloom or cuticle, can be unrefrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks.
However, keeping chicken or store-bought eggs in the refrigerator after laying or buying them is advisable.
How long can you keep pasteurized eggs in the refrigerator?
Pasteurized eggs have been heat-treated to kill potential bacteria without cooking the egg itself. This process makes it safer to consume raw or undercooked.
Pasteurized eggs should be stored in the refrigerator, similar to regular eggs, at or below 40°F (4°C) and used for three to five weeks.
How Long Do Free-Range Eggs Last?
Free-range eggs can last 3 to 5 weeks in the refrigerator. Store them in their original carton or a covered container to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.
If you store them at room temperature (around 70°F or 21°C), free-range eggs typically last about 2 weeks. However, eggs are generally best kept in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and safety.
How To Tell If An Egg Is Spoiled or Not?
Improperly storing chicken eggs can lead to unsafe or spoiled eggs, but with our guidance, you can confidently tell if they are good or spoiled before properly storing them.
To know whether the eggs are in excellent or flawed condition, you always need to use or practice the following:
Use Your Senses
Always use your senses. If eggs have an off smell or unusual appearance, throwing or discarding them is best.
Crack The Egg
If you don’t see any unusual appearance or smell foul smell, you can crack or break the egg in a clean pot or bowl.
Then, look for or observe any unusual appearance or smell. Fresh eggs will have a thick, slightly cloudy white that stays close to the yolk and doesn’t spread out much on the plate.
You can use them if they smell and appear normal, but if they appear unusual and smell bad, just discard them.
Perform the Float Test
The Float Test identifies whether an egg is good or has gone bad, but it does not guarantee the safety of your eggs. Instead, it provides an approximate estimate of their age.
To do this, fill a bowl with water and place the egg.
- Fresh Egg: Sinks, lies flat on the bottom, and is perfect for consumption.
- Less Fresh Egg: Sinks but stands upright and is still suitable for consumption.
- Bad Egg: Floats to the surface. Floating indicates that air has entered the egg, which could mean spoilage.
An egg floating in water means its air cell has grown big enough to keep it afloat. This means the egg is old, but it might still be safe. Break the egg into a clean pot or bowl and check if it smells bad or looks strange before using it.
Cooking Test
If the egg appears unusual when cooked (e.g., the white or yolk has a strange color or texture), a spoiled egg will have a bad smell when you break it open, whether it’s raw or cooked, and it might be unsafe to eat and you should avoid or discard them.
Date The Eggs
When your chicken lays an egg, just date them. This will help you use old eggs first, like the FIFO (first in, first out) practice.
How To Store Chicken Eggs Properly
Okay, you know the shelf life of chicken eggs and how to identify them, whether they are spoiled or in good condition. The next step is to store chicken eggs properly, just like we learn to store chicken feed so they last longer without spoiling.
Let’s discuss some of the best ways to store chicken eggs:
Keep in Refrigerator
A refrigerator is the best way to store chicken eggs; the eggs you do not want to eat immediately should be kept at a constant temperature in the fridge at or below 40°F (4.4°C)
To prevent temperature fluctuation in the fridge, keep the eggs in the coldest place, not on the door side, as indoor temperature fluctuations are more common.
Keep eggs in their original cartons if they have one; if they don’t, get one and date them. The original carton helps prevent eggs from absorbing odor from other food in the refrigerator.
Place eggs with the larger end up. This helps keep the yolk in the center and keeps the egg fresh.
Labeling the eggs or cartons is essential for determining which are the oldest and which are the newest.
The last point is that if you want to take eggs from the fridge for use, wait a few minutes before using them. This helps to restore the egg’s nutrients.
Keep Eggs in Original Carton
If you buy eggs from a store, they will have their original carton. The benefit of the original carton is that it has an expiry date. It also protects eggs from the outside and helps preserve egg moisture and integrity to remain fresh.
But if the eggs you store are from your chicken, like if you have the best-laying hens, you should date them or make a custom carton with the labeling date and other information.
Also, put that carton in an airtight container or plastic bag before keeping it in the fridge; this prevents odor from other food.
Maintain Balance Temperature
Cold temperatures are okay for chicken eggs; they increase their shelf life, but hot temperatures can accelerate the spoiling of chicken eggs.
Maintaining a balanced temperature is crucial. Mean fluctuation should be avoided when storing or keeping chicken eggs. The best thing is to maintain a constant temperature in the refrigerator at or below 40°F, which should not exceed 40°F.
Maintain Cleanliness But Don’t Wash Eggs
Cleanliness is essential. Eggs should be handled with clean hands, kept in a clean tray, and stored in a clean place.
But washing chicken eggs is not recommended. They have a natural protective layer called bloom that protects eggs, and if you wash them, their protective layer will rinse with water.
Even then, if you want to clean eggs, gently use a clean cloth or brush to remove dirt, and use only warm water, not hot. After cleaning the eggs, sanitize them with a food-grade solution such as diluted bleach, vinegar, and water.
Leave the setting for at least 30 seconds, rinse them off with clean, warm water, and ensure that all the dirt is removed from the eggs. Then, gently dry them using a paper towel. The last step is to store them in the fridge. These steps ensure the longevity of fresh chicken eggs.
Store At Room Temperature
You can also store chicken eggs at room temperature for a short time, but the place should be cool, dry, and away from direct light.
However, you can’t store them for the long term, so ensure you consume them within a week. When you need clarification, apply the above methods to identify whether they are good or spoiled.
Use FIFO Method
Keep the FIFO method in mind. It means first in, first out. Always consume the older eggs first, and date every egg to know which is the oldest.
Conclusion
So, “How long do chicken eggs last?” Different types of eggs have different longevity; for example, fresh, unwashed eggs have a longer shelf life than washed eggs.
Moreover, properly storing chicken eggs can extend their shelf life; the best method is to store them in a refrigerator.
I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any questions, just ask in the comments; we will help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do chicken eggs last?
When stored properly, chicken eggs can last several weeks. They can remain fresh for three or more months if kept in the refrigerator.
How long will chicken eggs stay fresh?
Chicken eggs stay fresh for about three to five weeks in the refrigerator. For optimal taste and quality, they should be used within this period.
How long do eggs from chickens last?
Chicken eggs can last up to five weeks in the fridge. If stored at room temperature, they should be consumed within two weeks.
How long do fresh chicken eggs last in the fridge?
Fresh, unwashed chicken eggs can last up to 3 months or more in the fridge. Keeping them at a consistent, cool temperature helps maintain their freshness.
How long do eggs last without refrigeration?
Fresh eggs at room temperatures (below 70°F or 21°C), clean and uncracked, with a natural coating bloom or cuticle, can be unrefrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks.
In warmer climates, it’s best to refrigerate eggs to prevent spoilage. Eggs should not be unrefrigerated for over one hour when the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C).
Do eggs need to be washed before use?
Eggs need only be washed before use if they are visibly dirty. Washing can remove the protective coating, making them more susceptible to bacteria.
How long are fresh, unwashed eggs good for in the refrigerator?
Fresh, unwashed eggs can last about three weeks at room temperature and three months or more in the refrigerator.
How long do chicken eggs last at room temperature?
Fresh eggs at room temperatures (below 70°F or 21°C), clean and uncracked, with a natural coating bloom or cuticle, can be unrefrigerated for 2 to 3 weeks.
How long do backyard chicken eggs last?
Backyard chicken eggs can last up to five weeks in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within two weeks for the best quality if kept at room temperature.
Do fresh chicken eggs expire?
Yes, fresh chicken eggs do expire. They generally last up to five weeks in the fridge or two weeks at room temperature.
How long do chicken eggs last before cooking?
Chicken eggs can last up to five weeks in the refrigerator before cooking.
How long do chicken eggs last if you don’t wash them?
Unwashed chicken eggs can last up to 3 months or more in the refrigerator. The natural coating helps protect them from spoilage.
How long do eggs last after a chicken lays them?
After being laid, eggs last up to five weeks in the fridge. At room temperature, they should be used within two weeks.