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By Alice Moore

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Winter’s chilly days are behind us, and as spring’s warmth takes hold, many chicken keepers find themselves with a surplus of eggs. Whether you’re treating yourself to omelets, quiches, or cakes, you may quickly realize that your hens are producing more eggs than you can possibly consume. So, what do you do with all these eggs?

Sharing or Selling Your Eggs

One option is to share your bounty with friends, family, or neighbors. Not only will you help out those who may not have access to farm-fresh eggs, but it’s a great way to spread a little joy. If you’re interested in turning your surplus into a side business, local farmers’ markets or even selling from your home can be a rewarding way to share your eggs with others. Just be sure to check local regulations on selling eggs before you start!

If you have a rooster in the flock, another possibility is incubating some of your eggs to hatch new chicks. This is a wonderful way to replenish or expand your flock as the year progresses.

Storing Eggs for Later

But what if you’re not ready to share or sell your eggs just yet? Storing them for future use is an excellent option, especially to help you through the leaner months of fall and winter when egg production drops.

According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, eggs can maintain their quality for at least a month when stored properly in the refrigerator. If you’re looking to store eggs for a longer period, freezing is a great choice. Here’s how you can freeze your eggs for optimal quality:

1. To freeze eggs, you can either freeze yolks and whites separately or combine them. For yolks or whole eggs, the National Center for Home Food Preservation suggests adding 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar or corn syrup or ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of eggs, depending on your intended use. For plain egg whites, there’s no need to add anything.
2. Using an ice cube tray, preferably a silicone one for easier removal, pour the eggs into the compartments. Once frozen, pop the eggs out and transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bags with the date and egg mixture for easy use later. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw the eggs overnight in the refrigerator.
3. If you’re looking for an even longer storage solution, freeze-drying your eggs is another option. This requires specialized equipment but can result in eggs being stored for years when packaged properly. Keep in mind, however, that freeze-dried eggs are still raw, so they must be handled with care and fully cooked before consumption. Please note, the freeze-drying process is very different from traditional dehydration methods. which are not recommended for raw eggs due to the length of time the eggs would be in the temperature danger zone.

What About Water Glassing?

You may have heard about the practice of water glassing eggs, where they are submerged in a solution of lime water or sodium silicate for preservation. While this technique was commonly used in the past, it’s no longer recommended. Storing eggs outside of refrigeration can allow bacteria that may be in the egg to multiply quickly and there is no way to know if an egg contains salmonella. Additionally, some experts express concerns about harmful substances leaching into the eggs from the solution.

Safe Handling and Storing Eggs

When handling eggs, safety is paramount. Always wash your hands before and after handling eggs and store them at the proper refrigerator temperature of 41°F or below. If you’re uncertain about the best way to store your eggs or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Alice Moore at the local Extension Office at (334)216-0738 or amm0167@aces.edu to ensure your eggs stay fresh and safe for consumption.

In Conclusion: Whether you’re looking to freeze, freeze-dry, or share your abundance of eggs, there are numerous ways to make the most of your flock’s spring production. Storing eggs properly allows you to enjoy fresh eggs even when your hens aren’t laying, while keeping you safe from bacterial risks and preserving your eggs at their best quality.

Enjoy the season of plenty, and happy egg handling!

Alice Moore is a Food Safety Extension Agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.