Farm fresh eggs are a delicious and nutritious source of protein that many homesteaders enjoy raising on their own. However, the abundance of eggs during peak laying season can often lead to an excess of eggs that need to be preserved for future use. There are several different ways to preserve eggs on the homestead in order to put food on the shelf and use the abundance during slower months.
Raw Egg Storage
Refrigeration
The simplest and most common way to preserve eggs is by refrigeration. Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for five weeks after they are laid, sometimes longer if temperatures remain consistent. Simply place the eggs in a carton and store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the bottom shelf. This method is convenient, easy, and does not require any additional equipment.
Room Temperature Storage
In many parts of the world, it is common to store eggs at room temperature. This method involves placing eggs in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They can be stored for at least a month at room temp before further measures are needed to continue preservation.
Water Glassing
Water glassing is a method of preserving eggs in a solution of sodium silicate or calcium hydroxide and water. Eggs preserved using this method can be stored at room temperature for up to a year. This method is useful for homesteaders who want to preserve eggs for longer periods of time without refrigeration. However, it is important to note that the eggs may have a slightly altered taste and texture after being preserved using this method. Check out our complete water glassing guide!
Eggs For Cooking
Freezing is a convenient and easy way to preserve eggs for longer periods of time. Eggs can be frozen in their shells or beaten and stored in ice cube trays. Frozen eggs can be stored for a year or more and are useful for baking or cooking. However, it is important to note that eggs can crack during freezing, which can result in a change in texture and flavor. Additionally, frozen eggs may not be suitable for some recipes that require raw or lightly cooked eggs.
A powdered egg mix is a convenient way to have eggs on hand for baking or cooking when fresh eggs are not available. To make a powdered egg mix, whisk together whole eggs and a small amount of salt, then pour the mixture into a food dehydrator or a low oven until dry and crumbly. The dried egg mixture can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months. To use, rehydrate the powder by mixing one tablespoon of the powder with two tablespoons of water.
Homemade egg noodles can be made with flour, egg powder, and water, then dried and stored at room temperature for several months. To make egg noodles, mix together flour and egg powder, then add water and knead until a dough forms. Roll the dough out and cut into desired shapes, then dry on a baking sheet until brittle. Store the dried noodles in an airtight container at room temperature.
Check out our recipe for Homemade Egg Noodles both by hand or with a Kitchenaid!
Preserving Eggs Through Recipes
One of my favorite ways to preserve eggs is by cooking or prepping meals and snacks that contain eggs and preserving that! Here are just a few ideas!
Omelet mixes are a great way to put up a lot of eggs! Everything can be prepped ahead and tossed into the mix before being frozen. Or simply beat the eggs and freeze that with the option to add to the omelet before cooking. This is especially great if you grow your own veggies that typically come in abundance after egg season has slowed down. The omelet mix can be poured into a zip lock and frozen or put into a vacuum seal bag. The vacuum seal bag will need propped in the freezer for a few hours to flash freeze before being sealed.
Another great breakfast option is to prep up egg burritos, English muffin and bagel breakfast sandwiches. These make a delicious and quick breakfast when frozen individually in parchment paper and then placed in a zip lock. They can be heated in a microwave or 325° F oven for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Quiche or frittata’s make a fantastic freezer meal to preserve eggs. Grab some foil pans and prep the dish as usual, stopping just before cooking. Flash freeze the pans and then store in a zip lock bag. Place the frozen pan in the oven when ready to eat. There’s no need to thaw but you may need to increase the recipes cook time.
Muffin’s, pancakes and breads such as banana or pumpkin store great in the freezer and make a quick snack or addition to a meal. This is especially useful when you have little, bottomless pit humans occupying your home as heating up is super easy! My kids actually enjoy a nice frozen pancake for their second or third breakfast and they especially like the sense of independence as they can just help themselves. These options may not use a ton of eggs to prep, however, they are frequently consumed in our household so it’s worth it to me personally to prep a bunch to have them on hand, cut down on prep time, and use up excess eggs.
Cookie dough is a great way to use the abundance of eggs in the spring. They keep extremely well in a zip lock in the freezer and actually cook better after a freeze. Once again, this is great to keep on hand for the kiddos for a quick snack. Other great snack options include pudding or custard, which can be canned or frozen for longer storage, as well as angel food cake, ice cream, pie, and cheesecake.
Pickled eggs are a classic way to preserve eggs for longer periods of time. Hard-boiled eggs are peeled and placed in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices such as mustard seeds, cloves, or bay leaves. The eggs are then refrigerated for a few days to allow the flavors to develop. Pickled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months and make a delicious and high-protein snack.
Egg salad is a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Hard-boiled eggs are mashed and mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped celery, onion, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, or paprika. Egg salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and is great as a sandwich filling, dip, or topping for crackers.
There are many ways to preserve farm fresh eggs on a homestead, ranging from short-term to long-term methods. Whether you choose to refrigerate, store at room temperature, water glass, or freeze in various recipes, there are lots of ways to explore preserving the Spring abundance and ensure you don’t have to purchase eggs from the store during slower production months. By properly preserving your farm fresh eggs, you can enjoy them all year round and reduce food waste on your homestead.
