Farm fresh eggs are laid by hens that are raised on farms, not in cages, and are not given any hormones or antibiotics.
They can be found at farmer’s markets or co-ops as well as at many grocery stores.
Farm fresh eggs are different from store-bought eggs because they are not refrigerated.
But how long do farm fresh eggs last unrefrigerated?
Farm fresh eggs can last for up to five weeks unrefrigerated.
However, it is best to use farm fresh eggs within two weeks of purchase or within one week if the ambient temperature is above 90 degrees.
To determine if the eggs are still good after a period of time, roll them between your hands.
Farm fresh eggs that are still good will have a firm shell.
If there are any cracks or the shell feels soft, it is best to discard the eggs.
Do farm eggs go bad if not refrigerated?
Farm fresh eggs don’t go bad if they’re not refrigerated because eggs naturally have their own built-in chill pill: a coating that protects the internal contents from bacteria.
Eggs are naturally cool due to the way in which their internal fluids chill in cooler temperatures than their exteriors, similar to the way your morning coffee stays hot much longer than the mug holding it.
Farm fresh eggs keep for about three weeks from the date of laying if they’re stored in a cool place.
Whether at room temperature or chilled, eggs are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods on the planet, and many people keep a few in their kitchen at all times.
Do farm fresh eggs go bad faster?
It’s likely you’ve wondered about this question when at the grocery store.
Farm fresh eggs are almost always more expensive than other eggs, so it makes sense to wonder if farm fresh eggs really are better.
The answer is a little complicated, but the short version is, yes.
Farm fresh eggs will in fact go bad faster than eggs you’ve had in your fridge for a while.
Farm fresh eggs are laid in the last week, usually, and only last about 21 days (at 3 weeks old).
So if you buy farm-fresh eggs, be mindful of the amount you purchase.
Also, keep in mind that eggs are typically washed when they arrive in stores.
Farm fresh eggs don’t have the extra layer of protection, so wash them before storing them in the fridge.
They are also more perishable than other eggs, so try to use them within 7 days (1 week).
How can you tell if a farm egg is bad?
Farm eggs are typically not treated the same as store-bought eggs, so they have a higher chance of being bad.
Farm fresh eggs can go bad much sooner than eggs that are produced commercially.
But how can you tell if a farm egg is bad?
Well, there are many ways to do that. Some of the ways include:
1. Check for cracks or leaking shells.
Farm eggs tend to have more visible cracks and external shell damage due to the fact that these eggs are not graded and cleaned up after being laid.
So, a farm egg can have a small crack on the shell which is not visible to the naked eye.
This crack can lead to a faster rate of spoilage since it is easier for germs to get into the egg through this crack.
2. Check the eggshell color.
Farm fresh eggs are laid with bright yellow shells. As time passes, these shells darken.
An egg that has a “dirty” colored shell is an indication of an older egg since dirt can accumulate on the surface of the egg over time.
Farm fresh eggs also tend to have a capsule coating, which is known as the cuticle, on the surface of the eggshell.
A farm-fresh egg has a transparent sealant on the shell.
They will not have an air pocket inside of them, but commercially produced eggs will.
3. Smell the egg.
Farm fresh eggs can smell like sulfur since they are not treated with chlorine to sanitize them. But they should not emit an unpleasant odor.
4. Check the egg’s contents.
Farm fresh eggs have a very thick white membrane surrounding the egg yolk and a more firm white.
They typically have thick albumen or egg white.
A farm-fresh egg will have a round and plump yolk compared to a commercially produced egg, which has a flat and spread-out yellow yolk.
Lastly, they will also have a more intense orange color.
What happens if you don’t wash farm fresh eggs?
Farm fresh eggs, just like any other food product we eat, need to be properly taken care of.
This means that farm-fresh eggs need to be washed and disinfected before and after they are eaten.
They should be washed with warm water to remove any dirt or debris that may have become attached while the egg was sitting in the chicken.
Farm fresh eggs should also be washed and disinfected to remove any bacteria that may have become attached while the egg was sitting in the chicken.
Not washing farm fresh eggs can cause bacteria like Salmonella to grow on the eggs when they are not properly disinfected and stored in the refrigerator.
Farm fresh eggs can also grow harmful bacteria like Listeria if they are not properly refrigerated at the correct temperature.
How long do farm fresh eggs last unwashed?
Farm fresh eggs last a lot longer than store-bought eggs.
If you buy farm fresh eggs from a farmer’s market they will usually last 4 weeks past the ‘Sell By’ date whereas store-bought eggs usually only last 1 week.
Farm fresh eggs can easily last up to 6 months past the ‘Sell By’ date if they are frozen and stored properly in a freezer.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to eggs, we want freshness.
But if you have more fresh eggs than your need for a recipe, you might wonder whether you can keep them unrefrigerated.
The good thing is that farm-fresh eggs can last for five weeks unrefrigerated.
If you follow the tips shared in this post on how to store farm fresh eggs, you will be okay.
I hope this helps.
Related Article: How Long Do Fresh Eggs Last Unrefrigerated?
