In other parts of the world, it is not uncommon to store eggs at room temperature – even in grocery stores! However, note that we are especially cautious here in the United States. That is why it is considered a food safety best practice to store eggs that have been washed in the refrigerator – pasteurized or not, store-bought or home-raised. It kills pathogens present at the time of pasteurization, but provides no long-term protection. Pasteurization is the process of rapidly heating eggs to a certain temperature and time to kill bacteria, and is required by the USDA for all commercial egg products sold in the US. In the commercial egg industry, eggs are washed and also pasteurized. When eggs are washed the bloom is also washed away, thus leaving the eggs more susceptible to spoiling – particularly when stored at room temperature. The bloom also helps to keep unfertilized eggs fresh longer, preventing both the loss of moisture and the introduction of contamination. Don’t worry, a fertilized egg will NOT continue developing on your countertop and can be treated just like other eggs. In more scientific terms, the egg cuticle is a layer of protein that covers the surface of the egg, effectively sealing the otherwise porous shell.Īs the University of Edinburgh explains, “the cuticle prevents bacteria from entering the egg and forms its first line of defense against infection.” It is the hen’s innate way of protecting her chicks during development inside a fertilized egg. The Protective “Bloom”, Fertilization, & Pasteurizationĭuring the process of laying an egg, a hen’s body deposits a natural protective coating on the outside of the eggshell – commonly known as the “egg bloom”. Washed eggs must be stored in the refrigerator, including those from your backyard flock or the store. If you purchase local eggs at a farmers market or farm stand, ask if the eggs have been washed and/or if they need to be refrigerated. We love to display some of our hen’s gorgeous collection of eggs in a wire basket or ceramic egg tray on the counter! However, this only applies to unwashed fresh eggs. Yes, unwashed freshly-laid eggs from backyard chickens or a local farm can safely be stored at room temperature for several days or even a couple of weeks. From bottom to top: Phoebe the Crested Cream Legbar, Zoey the Barred Rock, Ginger the Welsummer, and Luna the Black Copper Marans.Ĭan I store fresh eggs at room temperature? A collection of our backyard chicken eggs, held in a ceramic egg crate.
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