Whether you are buying eggs from the store or your local farmer, it might be a good idea to check how fresh your eggs are. There’s a difference between store bought and farm fresh on how long they can stay fresh, both in the fridge and on the counter. Let’s dive in.
Farm-Fresh Egg Freshness
Farm-fresh eggs (especially unwashed ones) can last longer than typical store-bought eggs because they often still have their natural protective coating, called the bloom or cuticle. This thin layer seals the pores in the shell and helps block bacteria and moisture loss. Because we use a lot of eggs, I just keep my fresh farm ones in this decorative egg tray(above) right on one of my shelves in the fridge.
Unwashed eggs can sit on your counter at room temperature (cool, dry, ideally <75–77°F) for 2-3 weeks. They will last in the fridge for approximately 2-3 months. If I am needing a lot of eggs for a gathering like Thanksgiving, I’ll start storing them in a carton so I have enough for something like deviled eggs.
Washed eggs will not last on the counter so refrigerate those promptly. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
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Store-Bought Eggs
Store-bought eggs can stay fresh for 3–5 weeks in the refrigerator after you bring them home. That is that they have been refrigerated when you purchased them.
A good rule of thumb:
- 0–2 weeks: Very fresh
- 2–3 weeks: Fresh and excellent for cooking and baking
- 3–5 weeks: Usually still good if properly refrigerated
- Beyond 5 weeks: Check carefully before using; quality can decline
Keep them in their original carton on a refrigerator shelf rather than the door. The carton helps protect them from odors and moisture loss and keeps the “sell-by” information handy.
How to Check For Egg Freshness
My favorite way to check to see if eggs are still fresh is the float test. It never fails me.
Float Test
Fill a bowl or glass with enough cold water to fully submerge the egg and gently place it in the vessel:
- Sinks and lies flat on its side – Very fresh.
- Sinks but stands upright or tilts – Older (roughly a week or more) but usually still fine to eat; use soon.
- Floats – Significantly older due to a large air cell. It may still be safe, but crack and check carefully before using (or discard if unsure).
Use plain cold water (salted water changes density and can skew results).
Farmer’s Note
When in doubt, crack the egg open and do a smell and visual test. If you are still unsure, toss the egg. As much as I don’t like to waste, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to Peel Farm Fresh Eggs
Ever struggle with peeling fresh farm eggs? Here is my tried and true method!
A Few of My Favorite Ways to Use Eggs
Delicious Quiche Made With a Hash-brown Crust
Just Plain Hard Boiled (sliced in half with salt and pepper or top on a salad) – place eggs in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and lid. Bring to a boil. Turn off the burner and allow to sit for 13 minutes. Slice and enjoy.
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Items Used in This Post
Clear Bowl – I’ve had mine for 20+ years but I’ve linked one that is a good one to have.
How to Check to See if Eggs Are Fresh
Materials
- Glass Bowl or jar
- Cold Water
Instructions
The Float Test
- Fill a clear bowl or glass with enough cold water to fully submerge the egg and gently place it in the vessel.
Notes
- Use plain cold water (salted water changes density and can skew results).
I hope this tutorial was helpful. If you liked it or tried it, please share this post over on Pinterest and tag me on Instagram.
Wendy Lea Walker, NTP
I’m Wendy. A wife, empty-nester mama, homemaker, homebaker, gardener and small-time farmer. I love sharing wisdom and knowledge I’ve learned along the way. Anyone can garden or homestead, no matter where you live. It’s a mindset. You just have to start somewhere. I believe food is medicine. Feed the body real whole foods and healing will begin. I’m an advocate for eating real food and enjoy sharing all my fresh-milled flour recipes. I’ve learned to slow down over the years from all the noise that came with life and enjoy creating a simple cottage home.
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