One of the best-kept secrets of homesteading and self-sufficient living is understanding the natural preservation mechanisms that exist in nature. When it comes to fresh eggs, the bloom (also known as the cuticle) is a crucial, built-in protective layer that can significantly impact the freshness and safety of your eggs. If you’re raising your own chickens or sourcing farm-fresh eggs, knowing why you should keep eggs unwashed until use is essential.
What is the Egg Bloom?
The bloom is a thin, invisible coating on the eggshell that a hen naturally deposits right before laying the egg. This protective layer serves multiple purposes:
- Seals the pores of the eggshell, preventing bacteria and moisture loss.
- Acts as a natural preservative, keeping the egg fresh for longer periods.
- Reduces the need for refrigeration, allowing eggs to be stored at room temperature for weeks in many cases.
When eggs are washed, the bloom is removed, making the eggshell more porous and susceptible to contamination and spoilage. This is why commercial eggs in the U.S. must be refrigerated—they’ve been washed and sanitized, stripping them of their natural defenses.
4 Reasons You Shouldn't Wash Eggs Until You're Ready to Use Them
- Extended Freshness – Unwashed eggs can last weeks on the counter and months when refrigerated. Washing speeds up spoilage by allowing bacteria and air to enter the now-porous shell.
- Natural Protection Against Bacteria – The bloom acts as a shield, preventing harmful bacteria like Salmonella from penetrating the shell. Washing removes this barrier, increasing the risk of contamination.
- Easier Storage – When you have quality farm fresh eggs, keeping them unwashed allows for simple, low-maintenance storage without the immediate need for refrigeration.
- Better Taste and Quality – Unwashed eggs maintain their original texture and taste longer compared to washed eggs, which can dry out more quickly.
How to Properly Wash Farm Fresh Eggs
While it’s best to keep eggs unwashed until use, sometimes you’ll need to clean eggs that have dirt or debris on them. Here’s the safest way to wash your eggs:
Step 1: Use Dry Cleaning When Possible
If the eggs are only slightly dirty, try dry-cleaning methods first:
- Use a dry cloth, soft brush, or fine sandpaper to gently wipe off dirt or debris.
- Avoid using water unless absolutely necessary.
Step 2: Wash with Running Water
If the egg is too dirty to clean with a dry method, follow these steps:
- Use running water that is slightly warmer than the egg (room temperature or about 90-100°F).
- Why? Cold water can cause the egg’s contents to contract, pulling bacteria into the shell.
- Gently rub the egg with your hands to remove dirt—avoid scrubbing too hard.
- Do not soak eggs, as this can encourage bacteria to seep inside.
Step 3: Dry Immediately
- Pat the egg dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
- Use the egg immediately or refrigerate it if storing for later use.
Use the Float Test to check for Freshness
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to check if your eggs are still good is the float test. This simple method takes advantage of the natural properties of an egg’s shell and air pocket to determine freshness.
How the Float Test Works
As eggs age, moisture and gases slowly escape through the shell’s pores, causing the air pocket inside the egg to grow. The larger the air pocket, the more buoyant the egg becomes in water. Here’s how to perform the test:
Step 1: Fill a Bowl with Water
- Use a clean bowl or deep container and fill it with cool water (not warm or hot).
- Ensure the water is deep enough to fully submerge the egg.
Step 2: Place the Egg in the Water
- Fresh eggs: Sink to the bottom and lay flat on their side.
- Slightly older eggs: Stand upright on the bottom, meaning they’re still safe to eat but should be used soon.
- Bad eggs: Float to the top—these should be discarded immediately.
Why the Float Test Works
As eggs age, the contents shrink slightly, and air fills the space inside the shell. This increased air pocket makes older eggs more buoyant. If an egg floats, it has likely lost too much moisture, and bacteria may have started to grow inside, making it unsafe to eat.
Extra Tip: The Smell Test
If you’re still unsure, crack the egg into a separate bowl and give it a sniff. A fresh egg will have a mild or no odor, while a bad egg will have a strong sulfur smell—a clear sign that it’s gone bad.
By using the float test, you can easily tell whether your farm-fresh or store-bought eggs are still good to eat, ensuring you get the best quality while avoiding unnecessary waste.
Keeping the bloom intact on your eggs is one of the easiest ways to naturally preserve their freshness and quality. By holding off on washing your eggs until you’re ready to use them, you can enjoy longer-lasting, safer eggs without unnecessary refrigeration.
For more homesteading tips, DIY projects, and self-sufficient living guides, be sure to follow Hurricane Homestead—where we’re building our best life one bloom at a time!
