There are food products that are constantly in the house and are used to prepare a variety of dishes. But in order to avoid poisoning, the food storage process must be correct. This also applies to eggs. Of course, they should always be kept in a cool place, such as a refrigerator. But there are times when it is absent for various reasons and the question arises: how to store eggs without a refrigerator?
Eggs can be kept outside the refrigerator, but only for a certain period of time and in compliance with the correct storage technology. If these requirements are neglected, the products will quickly deteriorate, lose their taste and become unsafe to eat.
How to select and prepare for storage
The shelf life of eggs is primarily affected by their original quality. If possible, you should open the tray before purchasing and evaluate the following parameters:
- Shell integrity. Cracks, and even more so chips, are open “gates” for bacteria. Taking such a product is dangerous. Move each testicle with your fingers. Shells stuck to the tray indicate that the product is leaking from below.
- Smell. Fresh eggs don't smell like anything. Do you feel an unpleasant odor? The product is gone. The characteristic smell of fresh egg whites is a signal that one or more eggs have cracks.
- Purity. Factory-produced eggs should have no traces of droppings or blood on their shells. If any are found, then they need to be washed.
- Labeling. At the poultry farm, each egg is stamped with the grade and packing date. The same information is printed on the tray. Of course, it is impossible to say exactly how long the product stayed in the warehouse before packaging. However, the information will serve as a guide in determining the period of further storage.
If the testicles are obtained from your own chickens, everything is clear with the time of their “production”. But what to do with the droppings on the shell? It is not recommended to store dirty eggs. At the same time, washing them is also not a good idea. The shell has a protective layer. If it comes into contact with water, it will wear off and the storage time will be shortened. It is best to gently wipe dirty product with a dry, soft cloth. If the droppings have already dried up, then you need to act like this:
- Immerse the testicles in warm salted water for 5 minutes.
- Gently wash away dirt with a sponge.
- Wipe dry and store.
Do not wash raw eggs with cold water . It will penetrate into the product along with dirt. Warm water expands the pores of the shell, preventing bacteria from getting inside.
Useful tips
To prevent premature decay, the following rules must be followed:
- Wash shells only before eating or preparing the product.
- When storing, place the eggs separately, avoiding their contact.
- When choosing, carefully inspect the shell, checking its integrity and cleanliness.
- Store containers with the product in areas with low temperature and humidity (cellar, pantry, etc.), separately from raw fish, meat and products with a strong aroma.
If there are spots of dry droppings on the shell, they can be wiped off with a soft, dry cloth. Dried dirt is washed off with warm running water, using soda, soap or a special disinfectant.
The egg is then dried with a paper towel and stored separately from those intended for long-term storage. After cleaning, it remains fresh for no longer than 4-8 days.
How to store eggs without refrigeration
Our ancestors, long before modern household appliances appeared, knew the secrets of storing perishable foods. And in some villages chicken products are still kept out of the refrigerator. All that is required is a dark, cool place. There are many such places in the village - canopy, basement, basement. But what about the apartment?
In urban housing you can also find a place with the listed characteristics. But culinary experts do not advise experimenting with timing. When asked how long eggs are stored without refrigeration, there is a standard answer: store-bought products - about seven days, country-made - 13-14 days.
The procedure of wiping with a damp cloth will help to extend the period a little. If you remove the dirt and then carefully wipe it with a cloth soaked in vegetable or olive oil, then, thanks to the oily film, this will extend the shelf life of the eggs at room temperature.
Interesting Facts:
- the egg can “breathe” through a shell endowed with thousands of micropores;
- the presence of a natural protective layer prevents pathogenic organisms from entering the shell;
- nutritional qualities do not depend on the color of the shell. The color of a chicken egg is affected only by the breed of bird;
- brown versions have a denser shell, so they can be stored for several days longer. And during transportation, they are less likely to burst and crack.
Shelf life of eggs at room temperature
In some circumstances, a poultry product can last at home for almost a whole year.
Therefore, the shelf life of eggs without refrigeration varies depending on the conditions and the following factors:
- farm or homemade products will live longer than store-bought ones;
- wiping the shell will extend the period by only a few days, but this procedure will not work for a longer period, since the natural protective layer will be erased;
- laying method - with the sharp base down. This arrangement guarantees optimal gas exchange, since there are fewer pores at the sharp end, and if it is on top, oxygen will not flow as actively;
- the product must not be damaged - cracks and chips guarantee damage within 25-30 hours;
- stable storage conditions. A sharp change in temperature, humidity or light will shorten its lifespan.
Conditions for increasing the survival rate of chicks
Experts have found that eggs can be stored for a maximum of 5-7 days for incubation. You can store it longer, but the percentage of chicks hatching will drop proportionately. For clarity, the following table is provided.
Shelf life (days) | Number of surviving embryos (percentage) | ||
chickens | ducks | geese | |
5 | 91,5 | 85,6 | 79,7 |
10 | 82,4 | 80,0 | 72,6 |
15 | 70,2 | 73,4 | 53,6 |
20 | 23,4 | 47,1 | 32,5 |
25 | 15,0 | 6 | 5,0 |
We talked more about the incubation period of chicken eggs here, and you can read about the features of artificial breeding of chickens at home here.
It should be noted that the longer eggs are stored for breeding, the greater the risk of hatching sick chicks. Eggs have two purposes: to be a healthy and tasty food product, and to perform a reproductive function aimed at procreation. In both cases, it is important to ensure correct storage conditions. Only in this way can we get decent food on the table and healthy chicks.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.
Methods for storing eggs without refrigeration
Storing eggs in sawdust or ash
The eggs are placed in rows in a vertical position (pointed tip down) in a box, sprinkling each layer with carefully dried sawdust or ash. You can also use dry sand, just make sure that the eggs do not touch.
It is best to store the box in a dark, well-ventilated room. Before packing, each egg can be immersed in boiling water for 10–15 seconds. A thin protein film is formed under the shell of eggs boiled in this way, which even more reliably protects the product from spoilage.
Application of lime
the best way to keep the product fresh when it’s +25 or more outside. The lime solution will allow eggs placed in it to be preserved for many weeks. And if you coat each one with a paraffin compound, you can preserve the product for a year.
Solution recipe: 750 grams of lime per 10 liters of cool boiled water. This amount is based on 100-140 eggs. The solution must be stirred for about three hours, then immersed and placed in the chicken products.
Paper
How to prepare:
- Lubricate each fresh egg with vegetable oil, melted paraffin, lard or Vaseline.
- Wrap in paper.
- Place in basket.
- Place in a cool, dark place.
Wrapped in newspaper or wrapping paper, they can be stored without refrigeration for up to six months.
There is no need to pre-wash the shell. The natural film protects against the penetration of bacteria and fungal spores.
Sawdust or ash
Prepare a wooden box or basket. Place a layer of wood shavings, ash or sawdust on the bottom. You can also use dry, clean sand.
Place a row of eggs with the pointed ends down so that the shells do not touch each other. Make several rows, also cover the last one with shavings. Place the box in a ventilated area.
Salicylic Acid(Phenolic Acid)
Treat with a weak solution:
- Take two teaspoons of acid per 500 ml.
- Stir and lower the eggs.
- Leave for half an hour.
- Place on paper towel.
Do not wipe the shell. Wait for the surface to dry. After this, place them in rows in a cool place.
Salt solution
Through the pores on the shell, oxygen gets inside along with microorganisms. This shortens the life of the yolk and white. To maintain freshness longer, block the oxygen with water and salt.
How to do:
- Fill a saucepan with water.
- Add salt in the ratio of a tablespoon for every 500 ml.
- Place eggs into the solution.
- Place the pan on the stove.
- Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
There is no need to drain the water. The pan is stored in a cold place, for example, in the basement. Close the container with a lid and place a weight on top to prevent air from getting inside.
You can also sprinkle dry coarse salt over the egg rows in the same way as sand.
Sugar
Prepare sugar syrup. For one part sugar, take two parts hot water. Heat the mixture to a boil. Lower for five seconds and remove to paper towels. After a sugar film has formed on the shell, place it in a box or basket with bran, grain (millet, wheat, oats) or in dry sand.
Summary : to properly store eggs in room conditions, it is enough to follow the recommendations. On the thermometer - no more than 20 degrees, on the hygrometer - no more than 80% humidity, plus protection from UV rays, and kept in a closed container. It is also important to avoid drafts and temperature changes.
How many days can I store for incubation?
Farmers with an incubator often face the problem of storing eggs.
To achieve savings, you need to put the maximum possible number of eggs in the incubator. But what to do if they cannot be collected in one go? You have to put them aside until you get the required amount. Experts have also found that the best hatching percentage of chicks is obtained if the eggs are laid for 5-7 days after laying. This is the plan of nature itself. Under natural conditions, the female lays eggs for several days, and only after that begins to hatch them .
They are naturally cooled. To begin with, it should be noted that the development of the embryo begins when the egg is inside the bird. After the egg is laid, it cools and at the same time the development of the embryo stops. This is a completely natural process. It is harmless to the fetus.
If the laying of an egg and its placement in an incubator are separated by a large period of time, then irreversible processes occur in it. The egg ages and becomes unsuitable for the development of the chick.
What processes are taking place?
- The protein loses its layering and the consistency becomes more watery. Lysozyme breaks down and is responsible for the antibacterial effect. Cells, nitrogenous compounds and vitamins break down in the yolk. Fats decompose. It is important to store eggs within the correct temperature.
If the temperature drops below zero, the eggs freeze and the future life inside dies. Above 20 degrees, the development of the embryo does not stop, but it does not develop correctly, with pathology, and soon also dies.
You can learn in detail about the incubation mode of chicken eggs in different periods, as well as see tables of optimal temperature, humidity and other factors by day here.
Watch a video about collecting and storing eggs for incubation:
Traditional methods
Storing eggs is a rare case when traditional methods really work. So, there are several popular ways to extend the shelf life of eggs:
Fat
Peasant women came up with the idea of lubricating eggs with fat to ensure their preservation several centuries ago. The instructions for properly greasing eggs have not changed since then, but surprisingly everything still works. Fat fills the micropores on the shell and because of this, bacteria cannot penetrate there.
Instructions for greasing eggs:
- Place oats in the bottom of a wooden box;
- Melt the fat, cool, thoroughly coat each egg with it;
- Place eggs, pointy end down, in several rows;
- Top the eggs with oats and leave in the cellar;
Egg white
Lubricating eggs with protein is a fairly popular way to extend their shelf life. So, you need:
- Apply 6-10 layers of protein to the shell, applying a new layer only after the previous one has completely dried.
- After drying, wrap each egg in a paper towel or napkin.
- Place the eggs in one row in a box and send them to the cellar.
Paraffin/wax
Wax, like paraffin, has the ability to fill micropores on the shell, thus creating protection against various microorganisms. To do this you need:
- Melt the wax/paraffin and cool slightly.
- Carefully dip the eggs into the liquid.
- Afterwards, you need to cool the eggs in the refrigerator until the wax/paraffin completely hardens.
- Wrap each egg in newspaper and send it to the cellar.
Potassium permangantsovka
Potassium permanganate has disinfecting properties and also kills bacteria. Potassium permanganate is especially relevant when processing eggs of questionable quality. Eggs need to be dipped for 5-10 seconds in a saturated solution of potassium permanganate. You can then store them anywhere
Quality check
If an egg is spoiled, what's the point in storing it? Therefore, it is quite logical to ensure the quality of the product before sending it for storage. When buying in a store, you need to carry out this simple check:
- inspect and feel the shell. In a fresh product it is slightly rough and matte. If the egg is shiny, smooth, and even looks bluish, do not take it under any circumstances;
- Take the egg in your hand and shake lightly. A slight vibration should be felt inside, but there should not be any gurgling. If the internal contents overflow, then it is better not to buy such a product.
The more tightly the eggs are packed, the more the supplier tries to hide them from the eyes of a potential buyer, the greater the risk of purchasing a low-quality product.
At home, before eating, it also doesn’t hurt to check the quality of the eggs. The easiest way is to drop one directly in the shell into a glass of water. If it “sinks,” it means you can eat it without doubting its freshness. If it floats slightly, but does not rise above the middle, then it is better to subject it to prolonged heat treatment. But if it comes up at all, then it’s dangerous to give it even to animals.
Home-cooked eggs can also be hazardous to your health. Even when taking them daily from chickens from your own chicken coop, you must check them for quality.
The first thing to do is take each one in your hands and examine it. Spots, soft shells, and microcracks should cause concern. This may be caused by health problems in the birds, but pathogenic microbes and bacteria penetrate through such shells very quickly.
It wouldn't hurt to look at the light for each testicle. There is a “puga” at the blunt end. This is the name given to the film that contains air. The larger and more voluminous it is, the older the product. You definitely need to look at the yolk. Normally, it is located directly in the center or slightly offset. It is unacceptable that it is blurry, has too dark a color, or, worse, the outline of an embryo.
Spoiled eggs should be thrown away. You should not engage in imaginary savings and give them to poultry or animals. This can cause poisoning and death.
Even if external signs indicate the freshness of an egg, it is necessary to evaluate it after breaking. The good one has a jelly-like white and a yolk that clearly rises above it. There should be no spots, drops or blood clots, or odor.
Rules for storing eggs
Dietary ones can withstand up to a week without refrigeration, table ones - up to 25 days, washed ones - up to 12 days. In the refrigerator, this period will be no more than a realistic 90 days, since during long exposure the thin shell dries out. In any case, the answer to the question of how long eggs are stored will directly depend on their variety.
How to properly store raw eggs
At room temperature, a product left fresh deteriorates quite quickly. Raw eggs should be stored correctly in the refrigerator, but not in the cells of the door, which is constantly opened and is kept warm part of the time. It is better to put them in a drawer for vegetables, cheese and fruits. At what temperature to store depends on the capabilities of the refrigerator, but it is advisable to maintain the regime plus 1-2 degrees. A fresh store-bought product must be immediately placed in the cold, then it will be stored for up to a month, and a home-made product, under the same conditions, will last up to 3 months. Why can't it be stored for a long time? It's simple - there is a risk of poisoning.
Fresh eggs from laying hens or quails can be kept at room temperature (up to 20 degrees) for 21 days at a relative humidity of 70-85%. There are several village folk ways of how they used to store food products without refrigeration - these methods were used when preparing eggs for the winter so that the products did not disappear in the warmth of home:
- wrap in paper and place with the sharp side down;
- place in saline solution (20 g of salt per liter of water);
- brush with egg white in 2 layers;
- cover with a mixture of melted wax and oil;
- place in a bright pink solution of potassium permanganate for a couple of seconds and dry;
- in a mixture of coal and bran - correct storage with the tip up;
- in sweet water (2 kg of sugar in 2 liters of water) – place in warm syrup for 2-3 seconds;
- place in a box and sprinkle with salt;
- Immerse quickly in boiling water and remove immediately.
How long products are stored also depends on their processing. All of the above methods extend the shelf life to 2-3 months. The product cannot be stored in the heat of summer.
Regulatory requirements according to GOST or SanPiN
Clause 8.2 GOST R 52121-2003 “Edible chicken eggs. Technical Specifications" establishes standards for storing eggs. So, the content should be carried out within the temperature range from 0 C to 20 C. Air humidity is also important and should be 85-88%. GOST establishes how long it can be stored under such conditions - up to 90 days. There is a deadline for special categories of eggs :
- for dietary – no more than 7 days;
- for canteens – no more than 25 days;
- for washed ones - no more than 12 days.