Water Glassing Eggs
If you have chickens, you probably have a backlog of eggs during the spring and summer. This post will show you exactly how to preserve those fresh eggs at room temperature for up to 1 year by water glassing your eggs!
Servings 2 Quarts
Cost $5
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 Eggs (fresh and clean with bloom still in tact)
- 1 ounce Pickling Lime
- 1 quart Filtered Water
Instructions
- Measure out 1 ounce of pickling lime using a scale. This is about 3 tbsp if you don't' have a scale.
- Add the your clean eggs to a clean half gallon jar.
- Whisk the lime into the water until it is fully incorporated.
- Pour the water and lime mixture over the eggs. If the eggs are not fully covered, add a bit more water or remove some of the eggs.
- Secure an airtight lid to the jar, mark the date on the lid (or a piece of tape), and store your eggs in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months.
Video
Notes
Common Questions
Why Should You Water Glass Eggs?
There is no right or wrong way to preserve the extra eggs your family has on hand. You can turn them into pasta, or homemade quiches, you can freeze them, or even freeze dry them. For us, water glassing our eggs allows us to keep them at room temperature (no electricity needed) and it also allows us full control over what the eggs turn into, when we are ready to eat them.
Can You Use ANY Eggs for Water Glassing?
No. You must use eggs that are fresh, clean, and unwashed so that the "bloom" on the eggs is still intact. The bloom protects the eggs from anything getting through the shell, which is why fresh eggs can sit on the counter for months and still be completely fine! Once the eggs have been washed or sanitized (like those in the store), the bloom is broken down.
Can I Use Well Water for Water Glassing My Eggs?
Yes! The only concern with tap water is that it might contain chlorine which will counteract the lime solution and break down the bloom over time. So, as long as your well water doesn't contain chlorine, you should be good to go. I would still filter whatever water you use before water glassing.
Can You Water Glass Duck or Quail Eggs?
Yes! Whatever eggs you have on hand, as long as they are fresh and clean, can be water glassed using this same method.
My Water Glassed Egg Yolks Break Really Easily
I have found this to be the case as well. If the eggs are older, some of the water seems to get through into the egg while the lime is hardening it - this can waterlog the egg and cause the yolk to break. If you water glass FRESH eggs (1-2 days old) that still have the bloom intact, this doesn't happen as long as the eggs are stored at a cool temperature.