All Things Eggs

Washed Eggs:

  • What are they? Washed eggs undergo a cleaning process where they are carefully washed and sanitized to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria from the shell's surface.

  • Why wash them? The washing process helps maintain hygiene standards and reduces the risk of contamination. It's particularly common in large-scale egg production facilities where eggs may come into contact with various surfaces before reaching consumers.

  • The impact on the egg: While washing removes potential contaminants, it also strips the egg of its natural protective coating, known as the bloom. This thin layer helps seal the eggshell pores, preserving freshness and preventing bacteria from entering the egg.

  • Handling: Washed eggs should be refrigerated promptly to maintain their quality and safety. Without the protective bloom, they are more susceptible to moisture loss and odors from other foods in the fridge.

Unwashed Eggs:

  • What are they? Unwashed eggs, on the other hand, retain their natural protective coating and have not undergone any cleaning process. They are collected straight from the nest and may have traces of dirt or feathers on their shells.

  • Why leave them unwashed? Many small-scale and backyard egg producers choose to leave their eggs unwashed to preserve their natural protective coating and minimize interference with the egg's natural properties.

  • The impact on the egg: By leaving the bloom intact, unwashed eggs maintain their natural freshness and protective barrier. They have a longer shelf life compared to washed eggs and are less prone to moisture loss or contamination.

  • Handling: Unwashed eggs do not require refrigeration immediately after collection. Instead, they can be stored at room temperature for several weeks, as long as they are kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. However, once they have been in the fridge, they must stay in the fridge.

  • Which is Right for You? Choosing between washed and unwashed eggs ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances. If you prioritize convenience and hygiene, washed eggs may be the preferred option. However, if you value the natural integrity and freshness of eggs, unwashed eggs may be more appealing.

Pasture Raised Eggs - What is that?

The Pasture-Raised Difference:

What are they? Pasture-raised eggs come from hens that are allowed to roam freely outdoors, foraging on a diverse diet of grasses, insects, and plants. This natural lifestyle allows the hens to express their natural behaviors and results in eggs that are richer in flavor and nutrients.

Why choose them? Unlike conventional eggs from caged or barn-raised hens, pasture-raised eggs offer numerous benefits. They contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, thanks to the varied diet and exposure to sunlight enjoyed by the hens.

The impact on the environment: Pasture-raised eggs are not only better for you but also better for the environment. By allowing hens to graze on pasture, we promote soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system.

FAQ’s On Our Eggs

How long are the good for?

  • Refrigerated eggs are good for 3 months. The unrefrigerated eggs we sell last for a month on the counter (but taste better if eaten by the second week).

What’s with the different colors of eggs?

  • We enjoy having a variety of chickens, not just the ones that lay a lot of eggs (which is why you rarely see eggs that aren’t white or brown in a store). So we have chickens that lay green, blue, dark brown, and speckled eggs. They taste the same and have the same nutritional content as the “normal” eggs.

Why are the yolks on your eggs darker than eggs from the store?

  • Our chickens forage all day on our property, eating bugs, grass, vegetables in addition to all the snacks we sneak them. This makes the yolks darker than what you see in the store.