Water Glassing Eggs
By Cameron Livesay - Soul Man Sweets September 2024
Raising chickens has become popular in the last few years. People raise chickens to save money on eggs or to live a healthier lifestyle or because they are fun to have around. Our chickens also help keep pests out of our garden and are helpful to keep pests like snails and moles away and help control the weed population. The eggs shells and chicken manure are rich in nutrients for composting too. Chickens on a healthy diet can lay 250-300 eggs per year. Unwashed eggs will last two weeks on the counter or three months in the refrigerator. You can gently wipe eggs with a moist paper towel to clean off any dirt. Washing eggs removes the protective bloom andthe eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and used within two weeks. What do you do with all the extra eggs? There are several ways to store eggs to use when production slows down in the winter. You can freeze eggs by cracking each egg into a clean ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the frozen eggs into a freezer safe storage bag or vacuum seal to prevent freezer burn. Frozen eggs can be stored for up to a year in thefreezer. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or rinse under cool water. Another way to store eggs is by water glassing them. This is the best way to store the egg while still in the shell. We use large glass mason jars. If you have a lot of eggs, you can also use a food grade bucket. Use clean, unwashed eggs that have been laid in the last 48 hours. Place them with the smaller end pointing downward in the jar. Use 1oz of food grade lime (calcium hydroxide) for each quart of water. Distilled water is best. Lime can be found in the canning supply section of most stores. Using gloves, stir the lime into the water until dissolved. Pour over eggs until they are completely submerged. We use gloves because lime can irritate sensitive skin. Date the eggs and store in a cool, dry place that isaway from direct light. It is normal for the lime to settle to the bottom. Water glassed eggs can be stored for up to 18 months. To use the eggs; rinse in cool water and use as you would fresh eggs. Whether you have chickens or are considering getting them, we have you covered. Search Farmers’ Almanac for Raising Backyard Chickens for Beginners, Tips on how to build chicken coops, how to use them to improve your garden and more. Our chickens have added more to our lives than we ever expected. They are a part of our family and have brought a lot of fun to our day.