How long can eggs stay on the kitchen counter before going bad? They are homegrown, so to speak. I forgot to put them away. They have been on the counter for three days. The average house temp has been about 67-80. My grandma never put her eggs away, but I do not know how wise that was. Thanks!
Oh wow. I never thought of leaving eggs out. I'm afraid to leave mine more than 10 minutes I'll be interested to hear the answer.
I think they'll be fine. Just refrigerate them now, and use them... not in a rush, but not waiting forever either. Or if you prefer, hardboil them all and they'll last longer, then in the future just remember to refrigerate sooner.
Most of the world does not refrigerate eggs. They will be fine for a few weeks. If they are fertile though you might want to put them in the fridge so you don't come home one day and find a few peeps on your counter.
I substituted in a home ec class once, and we watched a film strip all about eggs. According to that film, eggs that are left out loose one letter grade per day. So, a Grade A egg becomes a Grade C egg after three days out. Now...we just need to know what that means! The film said nothing about them becoming inedible as their GPA declines.
I don't know about truly "fresh" eggs. I know with store eggs you can leave them out a day or two. I always leave mine out to come to room temperature before making hard boiled eggs (makes them easier to peel). BUT...not sure with fresh eggs.
Interestingly, when I visited Britain a couple of times last year, I noticed that supermarkets no longer keep eggs in refrigerators. Instead, they are sold at room temperature on regular store shelves. When I asked about this, someone replied that, in Europe, it's thought to be safer to keep eggs at room temperature than in the cold - although I find that hard to believe. Anyway, do a Google search on 'why are eggs not refrigerated in Europe' and you'll find some interesting articles on this. The bottom line is that eggs keep for a surprisingly long time even when not refrigerated. The FDA mandates that eggs be sold refrigerated, but there really is no need.
Fresh eggs are fine at room temp for weeks! Unwashed eggs will last for at least 6 weeks at room temp. They will last longer if you don't clean them. They have a protective coating on them so if you want to store them on the counter for longer periods, I'd not wash them until you're ready to use them. The eggs you buy in the store have sat in a chicken house for at least 1-2 months before being shipped out anywhere. Refrigeration will make them last longer, which is why stores sell them refrigerated. We almost always leave our fresh eggs out on the counter once our hens hit top production because there is no way that many eggs would fit in my fridge! LOL The only issue is once they have been refrigerated you need to keep them refrigerated. Also, when in doubt, do the float or sink test. And, no matter where my eggs came from or how fresh they are I always crack them in a separate cup before adding to anything...
Very interesting! We raised chickens for show in the past and would get dozens of eggs a week, but I always stuck them in the 'fridge right away or gave them away. If I left them on the counter, it was for a short period of time. I never knew about not washing them until I was ready to use them. I learned something knew today! Thanks!
Ive always heard that home grown eggs can stay out much longer that store bought... I still don't think I could brave it.
3 days at room temp. No problem. LIke others have said, in other parts of the world they are never chilled. People did not even have refrig. in most parts of the world until the last 50 years and most still do not today. Some of those who get my fresh eggs prefer that I do not chill them. Eggs, eggs, adn more eggs it has been around here. Production has been way up since the time change. I realize the girls are not watching a clock, but it was about that time when they went into over drive on production. I give most of them to the best gardeners I know year round, and now I can't wait for their gardens to produce. TOMATOES!!
Our hens started bombarding us with massive amounts of eggs about a week after time change here too. Funny thing, we just noticed the daylight lasting longer this week, but the hens are so sensitive, they noticed it sooner....
3-4 MONTHS in the fridge. 1-2 weeks on the counter. I usually leave the ones I am gong to hard boil on the counter for 1 week before hand. Right now we are getting 12-15 dozen per day I think and so I am using a lot of eggs (don't worry - we sell them so this is a business thing).... Yes - the USDA will not allow us to tell you that you can leave eggs on the counter It's a wonderful system they have going. Eggs in the store have an expiration date for the simple reason they are already 30-90 days old when they hit the market. HOWEVER - once you put them in the fridge - leave them there!! You can't go back once they were in the fridge - they will go bad quicker (not in 10 minutes - but after a day or so it's a huge difference)
Interesting.. Makes me want to buy fresh eggs now... lol.. Never thought about them sitting there for months waiting to be shipped to the stores.. hmmmm.
