Do Vital Farms eggs need to be refrigerated?

Yes. USDA regulations require that we wash our eggs before we pack them. Washing does remove the eggs’ natural protective layer (called the ‘cuticle’ or ‘bloom’), which is why they must be refrigerated.

Are pasture raised eggs healthier?

The Bottom Line. At the end of the day, pastured eggs are probably the healthiest type of eggs you can buy. They are more nutritious, and the hens that laid them were allowed free access to the outside and ate a more natural diet. If you can’t get pastured eggs, omega-3-enriched eggs are your second best choice.

How long do unrefrigerated farm fresh eggs last?

about two weeks
If eggs are left unwashed with the bloom intact, you can place them on your kitchen counter. Unwashed, room temperature eggs should keep for about two weeks. If you aren’t planning to eat your eggs for a while, we recommend refrigerating them.

How long do eggs last without refrigeration?

The case for refrigeration, however, is bolstered by the fact that the shelf life of refrigerated eggs is around 45 days, whereas unrefrigerated eggs are good for only about 21 days. This means that our squeaky clean and refreshingly cool American eggs do last longer than their cosmopolitan counterparts.

What are the healthiest eggs to buy?

Ideally the best egg is organic, pastured (or free-range), USDA A or AA, stamped with the Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved seal. If you have to pay a dollar or two more than usual, you’ll know you spent money on the things that matter.

What type of egg is the healthiest?

The healthiest eggs are omega-3-enriched eggs or eggs from hens that are raised on pasture. These eggs are much higher in omega-3s and important fat-soluble vitamins (44, 45).

Why do farm fresh eggs not have to be refrigerated?

You don’t need to refrigerate fresh eggs. Eggs are laid with a near invisible coating called the ‘bloom’ or ‘cuticle’ on the shell. This coating helps keep air and bacteria out of the egg, keeping the egg fresher longer.

How can you tell if a farm egg is bad?

Simply fill a bowl with cold tap water and place your eggs in it. If they sink to the bottom and lay flat on one side, they are fresh and good to eat. A bad egg will float because of the large air cell that forms at its base. Any floating eggs should be thrown out.

Can eggs be left unrefrigerated?

“After eggs are refrigerated, they need to stay that way,” the USDA website explains. “A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the movement of bacteria into the egg and increasing the growth of bacteria. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out more than two hours.”

Can farm fresh eggs be left out?

Yes, unwashed freshly-laid eggs from backyard chickens or a local farm can safely be stored at room temperature for several days or even a couple of weeks. Washed eggs must be stored in the refrigerator, including those from your backyard flock or the store.

Are expensive eggs worth it?

Consumer Reports tells us that eggs laid by chickens given vegetarian diets “tended to have more of certain vitamins and omega-3s than those from hens fed a conventional diet.” If it makes you feel better to buy more expensive eggs, go ahead and buy them.