Did you know that when a chicken lays an egg, it has a natural coating on it known as the bloom? This bloom is a layer of protection for the egg which keeps out oxygen as well as harmful bacteria and germs. When the bloom is left alone (meaning no egg-washing or wiping) an egg can last a really, really long time even at room temperature.
But most people don’t leave the bloom alone! However, there is a way you can extend the shelf life of eggs (fresh, not store bought) with an unbroken shell.
Extend The Shelf Life of Eggs With Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has so many uses! Why not use it to preserve eggs!
To properly oil your eggs, they must be at room temperature (50 to 70 degrees F) and they must be dry. Liquefy some coconut oil (but don’t make it boiling hot), then dip the egg into the oil or brush on a coat of oil over the egg surface. Let the eggs dry then store in a cool place.
How does coconut oil preserve and extend the shelf life of eggs?
The coconut oil creates a seal that keeps oxygen from penetrating into the eggs. Simple as that! Eggs prepared this way are reported to remain edible for 9-12 months when left at room temperature. Refrigerated eggs might last even longer.
The only drawback to storing your eggs in this manner is that once eggs have been oiled, they’re no longer useful for cake making. The oiling interferes with the foaming properties of the egg whites, so they no longer whip up as well as fresh ones do.
Which coconut oil should you use on eggs?
Ideally you will use an unrefined coconut oil but honestly, it doesn’t matter a whole lot. My favorite, affordable brands of coconut oil are Barleans, Kelapo, and Nutiva.
Do you oil your eggs? Are you going to start?
Lindsay says
So cool, the benefits of coconut oil seem to be endless! Do you know how much longer eggs last when you coat them in coconut oil?
Thanks for a great post.
Jennifer says
Honestly, eggs can last a lot longer than we all realize. If you have reason to store eggs for upwards of 6 months, then the coconut oil will help keep them fresh. I have read that they can last 9 months to a year. But I have yet to prove it myself!
Karyn says
We have a fair amount of chickens, getting 8-10 eggs a day in the summer, so this would definitely assist us in keeping all those extra eggs edible long enough to actually eat them! It will certainly help for those winter months when they are not laying. Normally I have to go the store-bought route during this time. I will certainly be trying this!
Dawna says
Do you wash the bloom from the eggs before coating them in the oil?
Michelle says
So this isn’t intended for store-bought eggs?
Jennifer says
The issue with store bought eggs is that they often times have been bleached, scrubbed, etc… This doesn’t mean that you can’t try this on store bought eggs. It just might not have the same results.
Kevin says
Hi can you update on this at all? I bought mineral oil but I’d like to try coconut oil as it might be less toxic than the mineral oil.
Do you have any experiments to share on how long they last? I wish I was able to do a side by side comparison but of course that might take me 9-12 months 🙂 thank you!
Jennifer says
Hi Kevin! Eggs don’t stick around very long in my house. We eat them up rather quickly. However, my chicken rearing neighbor has preserved eggs for up to 6 months with coconut oil. This is because during the very hot months here, the chickens don’t lay so she likes to have a surplus to sell. Once they leave her care she has no data on how long her customers keep the eggs but she has never had any complaints of rotten eggs!