FARM FRESH EGGS

I get asked often about eggs, some of my top questions are:

Do I refrigerate my eggs?

How long do fresh eggs last?

Do I wash them?

Why does that egg look weird?

So I wanted to share all about farm eggs!

Studies show several nutritional advantages to farm-fresh eggs, including:

• less cholesterol

• less saturated fat

• increased vitamins A, E and D

• more omega-3 fatty acids

• more beta carotene

WHAT IS EGG BLOOM?

Just before laying an egg, the hen adds a protective layer called a bloom to the outside of the egg. This coating seals the shell pores, prevents bacteria from getting inside the shell, and reduces moisture loss from the egg. These are all things designed to make the egg last longer.

Commercial eggs are required to be washed and chemically sanitized. This is done to make them appear clean, but it destroys the natural protective coating. We keep our egg boxes clean so most of our eggs come out spotless. However, we live in the rainy PNW so we do get muddy spots on eggs, and feathers and shavings stuck to it. Any really dirty eggs get composted or washed for our own use.

HOW LONG DOES AN UNWASHED EGG LAST?

Farm fresh eggs can be kept at room temperature for two weeks to a month if they are unwashed. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cooler spot in your kitchen.

If freshly laid eggs are refrigerated, they can be stored for three months, or up to six months in an airtight container!

WHEN SHOULD AN EGG GET WASHED?

Since the protective bloom is still intact, I don't wash eggs until I am ready to use them. All you need to do is give them a rinse in warm water. Don't use cold as it creates a vacuum and forces bacteria into the egg. The temperature of a warm bath is perfect, run it under the water and rub with your hands. No soap or bleach is necessary.

WHY DOES THAT EGG LOOK FUNNY?

We have gotten used to the package of grocery store eggs that all look the same where any defect in shape or texture is discarded. The beauty of farm eggs is that you never know what you will get. All the rainbow colors, pointy shapes, double yolks, bumps and wrinkles - its a surprise every day!

It is totally normal for eggs to have bumps (calcium deposits), wrinkles (sign of stress when

laying), sometimes no yolk, and sometimes no shell! Eggs can also have streaks of blood on the outside, usually a new egg layer or an extra large egg will cause that.

Inside an egg you can sometimes find blood or brown "meat spots". These are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel when the egg is being formed, they are not a sign of fertility or a developing chick. They are completely safe to eat, but you can also remove them.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HARD BOIL FRESH EGGS?

Steaming fresh eggs is the way to go, or better yet use an Instant Pot! Put the metal trivet in with a bit of water (not touching eggs) , fill with your washed eggs, and put on high pressure for 7 minutes. Release and run under cold water. Easy peel eggs!

Hope you enjoyed learning about farm fresh eggs! I encourage you to find a local farm to get your eggs from. You will get the tastiest healthiest eggs and support a local famer!

Happy eating!