Introduction

When your hens are laying abundantly, it's easy to find yourself with more eggs than you can consume. Instead of letting them go to waste, preserving your extra eggs ensures you have a steady supply even when your chickens take a break. In this guide, we'll explore three effective methods to preserve your eggs: freezing, freeze-drying, and glassing.

Freezing Eggs

Freezing eggs is one of the simplest methods to preserve them. Follow these steps to freeze your eggs:

1. Preparation:

   • Crack the eggs into a bowl.

   • Gently whisk to combine the yolk and white without incorporating too much air.

2. Portioning:

   • Pour the egg mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds. This way, you can easily thaw small portions as needed.

   • Optional: Add a pinch of salt or sugar to each egg (depending on whether you plan to use them for savory or sweet dishes) to help maintain texture.

3. Freezing:

   • Place the trays in the freezer until the eggs are fully frozen.

   • Transfer the frozen egg cubes to a labeled freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to a year.

4. Using Frozen Eggs:

   • Thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator overnight before using them in your recipes.

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Freeze-Drying Eggs

Freeze-drying is a method that removes moisture from the eggs, making them shelf-stable for long-term storage.

1. Preparation:

   • Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.

2. Freeze-Drying Process:

   • Pour the whisked eggs onto freeze-dryer trays.

   • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for freeze-drying. This process usually takes around 24-36 hours.

3. Storing:

   • Once freeze-dried, crumble the eggs into a powder or leave them in pieces.

   • Store the freeze-dried eggs in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers with oxygen absorbers.

4. Using Freeze-Dried Eggs:

   • Rehydrate the eggs by mixing the powder with water (1 tablespoon of egg powder to 2 tablespoons of water equals one egg).

   • Use them as you would fresh eggs in recipes.

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Glassing Eggs

Glassing is an old-fashioned method using water glass (sodium silicate) to preserve fresh, unwashed eggs for months.

1. Preparation:

   • Choose fresh, unwashed eggs with intact shells.

   • Clean a large glass jar or crock thoroughly.

2. Mixing the Solution:

   • Create a water glass solution by mixing sodium silicate with water at a ratio of 1 part sodium silicate to 10 parts water.

3. Storing the Eggs:

   • Place the eggs in the jar or crock carefully, ensuring they don't crack.

   • Pour the water glass solution over the eggs until they are completely submerged.

4. Storing the Container:

   • Cover the container and store it in a cool, dark place.

   • Check periodically to ensure the eggs remain submerged. Properly stored, glassed eggs can last up to a year.

5. Using Glassed Eggs:

   • Rinse the eggs thoroughly before using to remove the water glass solution.

   • Use them in any recipe that calls for fresh eggs.

Conclusion

By preserving your extra eggs through freezing, freeze-drying, or glassing, you can enjoy the fruits of your hens' labor all year round. These methods ensure you always have eggs on hand, no matter the season. Happy preserving!

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