#2: Mineral Oil Method

This method can keep eggs for up to 6 months, but storage time varies depending on the temperature they are stored in. Basements or root cellars work well for this method for storage—just remember; the cooler, the better.

***Tips***

For this method, some folks preserve store-bought eggs, and others Farm-Fresh eggs. Personally, I use the Farm-Fresh because they retain their “bloom” to further protect the eggs. Eggs stored in temperatures of 68 degrees or cooler will store for 6 months, and sometimes longer.

What You’ll Need:

Surgical/Food Handler’s gloves

Mineral oil

Eggs

Egg Cartoons

Instructions

    Inspect eggs and toss any that have cracks or chips.
    If you’re using Farm-Fresh eggs, gently wipe away any residue on eggs with a dry, soft cloth.
    Wearing gloves, pour a small amount of mineral oil on gloved hands and hand-coat each egg with mineral oil, making sure to coat the entire egg.
    Place mineral oil-coated egg in the cartoon and store in as cool a location as possible.

Note: Eggs must be turned every month, from pointed end down to pointed end up to avoid spoilage.

How To Test Eggs For Spoilage

Anytime you are preserving eggs for any length of time, it is imperative to test them before using. To do this, I suggest a 2-step method:

First put the egg in a bowl of cold or room temperature water. If the egg remains at the bottom, it is safe to eat. Should it float near the middle of the water, but does not rise to the top of the bowl, it is stale, but may not be spoiled. This occurs when the egg develops an air pocket, which makes the egg more buoyant. If it floats to the top, toss it!

For eggs that passed the water bowl test, next crack the egg into a bowl before adding it to a recipe.  Let your sense of smell make the decision. If you detect the smell of sulfur, toss it.

NOTE: Eggs stored for months will have runnier whites, but can still be used in baked goods and their taste is no different than just-bought eggs.

Water Glass Method

Eggs can be preserved from 6 to 9 months with the water glass method. Water Glass can sometimes be purchased by special order at big box stores or pharmacy’s, or it can be ordered online at Lehman’s.

***Tips***

Use ONLY Farm-fresh, un-washed eggs for this method. Unwashed eggs retain what is called the “bloom,” which is a protective coating deposited by the hen to protect the egg from outside pollutants. Preserve fresh eggs with the water glass method within 24 hours of purchase for best results.

What You’ll Need

1. A large, ½ gallon (or larger) container or with a lid. The size you choose depends upon how many eggs you plan to preserve, or if you want to have several containers. Half-gallon containers will store up to 15 eggs, one gallon containers, around 30 eggs.

2. Unwashed, Farm-Fresh Eggs

3. Water Glass solution made from one-part water glass to 10 parts boiled water (the boiled water MUST be cooled to room temperature).

Instructions

    Inspect the eggs for cracks or chips and toss the defective ones—one spoiled egg WILL ruin the whole batch! Wipe any unsightly residue from the egg with a dry, soft cloth.
    Boil enough water to make the water glass solution that is one-part water glass to 10-parts water—enough to fill your container. Let the water cool to room temperature before mixing with water glass.
    Place each egg GENTLY into your container into the water glass solution. Be sure the water glass solution covers the top of the last eggs at least one inch.
    Apply Vaseline to the lid-otherwise any water glass that may be transferred from the lip of the container is capable of sealing the lid shut and you may not be able to get it opened. Screw down the lid.
    Store the preserved eggs in a cool, dark place. Even the floor of a closet will work.