Ultimate Beginners Guide to Water Glassing Eggs
From pickling to canning, preserving food has been around for centuries – add water glassing eggs to your arsenal with our easy-to-follow instructions.
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Preserving eggs in lime water is an age-old preservation method that has been used by people for centuries to keep their eggs fresh and edible for a longer period of time. This technique involves storing eggs in a solution made from water glass, also known as sodium silicate, which creates a protective coating on the eggshell, preventing air and bacteria from penetrating it. Water-glassed eggs can last for several months without refrigeration while retaining their nutritional value and taste. In this post, we will dive into the details of how water glassing works, its advantages and disadvantages, and the steps involved in preserving your own batch of eggs using this method.
Disclaimer: You cannot use store bought eggs to water glass eggs. This preservation method only works with farm fresh eggs with the bloom intact.
What is Water Glassing Eggs
Water glassing eggs is a traditional method of preserving eggs for long-term storage without refrigeration. The technique involves immersing fresh, unwashed eggs in a solution of water glass or sodium silicate solution. Water glass, also known as sodium silicate, is an odorless and colorless compound that has been used for various industrial and household applications. When mixed with water, it forms a gel-like substance that can be easily applied to the surface of eggs.
The Science Behind Water Glassing Eggs
Water glassing involves coating the eggshells with a thin layer of sodium silicate solution, which acts as a barrier against air and bacteria. This protective layer seals the pores on the shell surface, preventing oxygen from penetrating while maintaining moisture content within the egg.
Benefits of Water Glassing Eggs
- Extended Shelf Life: Properly preserved water-glassed eggs can last up to one year without refrigeration.
- Cost-Effective Solution: It allows you to preserve excess eggs instead of wasting them or giving away.
- Nutrient Retention: The natural composition and nutritional value of stored eggs remain intact.
- Convenient Usage: Preserved eggs can be used in various recipes like baking or cooking as if they were freshly laid.
What is the Bloom?
The bloom is a natural protective coating found on the surface of eggs that helps to prevent bacteria from entering through the pores in the shell. It is also known as the cuticle and is made up of proteins and other substances secreted by glands in the hen’s reproductive tract. You cannot see the bloom on an egg but it is on every egg prior to washing. The bloom provides a barrier against moisture loss, which helps to keep the egg fresher for longer. It also acts as a shield against outside contaminants such as dirt and bacteria.
When you wash eggs with water or soap, it removes the natural protective layer along with any dirt or debris that may be present on the shell’s surface. That’s why it is recommended to store unwashed eggs at room temperature rather than refrigerating them immediately after being laid.
Equipment
- Glass Jars with lids or a food grade bucket with lid
- Food scale
- Quart mason jar or measuring cup
Ingredients
- Fresh eggs – The eggs must be clean unwashed eggs. You want to avoid eggs that have dirt, feces, or any debris.
- Water – You will need a high quality water for this process I recommend using filtered. I use water from our Berkey filter. Tap water can be too hard for this preservation method.
- Picking lime (available at grocery stores) or hydrated lime Sodium silicate (available at farm supply stores)
How to Pick a Jar Size?
I like to use gallon jars anytime I am water-glassing eggs just for the simple fact they hold more eggs. If you have a small flock of laying hens then you may prefer to use smaller jars. Below are jar sizes listed with approximately how many eggs can fit per jar. These estimates are approximate the amount of eggs you will be able to fit will be dependent upon the size of your eggs. In my gallon glass jars I used for this tutorial I was able to fit 40 eggs. You do need a wide-mouth jar or one that you can fit your hand inside.
Half gallon – 18 – 21 eggs
Gallon – 38 – 42 eggs
Step-by-Step Guide to Water Glassing Eggs
Step 1: Mix 1 ounce of pickling lime to 1 quart of room-temperature filtered water in a quart jar or measuring cup. Stir the mixture until it becomes milky and well incorporated. Pour into the jar you will be storing the eggs in.
Step 2: Next, carefully place fresh, unwashed eggs into the solution making sure they are fully covered with the liquid. It’s essential to use only fresh eggs as older ones may have porous shells that can cause bacteria to penetrate through them. When placing the eggs into the solution you want the pointy end to be pointing down. This will help preserve them longer.
Step 3: Once the eggs are in the jar pour another batch of the pickling lime water solution over the eggs leaving about 1 inch headspace.
Step 4: Securely close the jars with lids and label each jar with the date of preservation.
How to Water Glass Eggs
Store the water-glassed eggs in a cool, dark place (around 45°F to 55°F is ideal). A basement or cellar can be suitable storage options. Avoid storing the container near heat sources or direct sunlight as this may affect egg quality over time. The preserved eggs can last up to eight months or even longer if stored correctly. To use them after storage period ends simply rinse each egg under cold running water before cracking open for use in cooking.
How to Add Eggs to the Jar Overtime
If you do not have enough eggs to fill the jar completely that is perfectly fine. As you collect eggs over the next few days ensure they are clean and add them directly to your jar. Make sure they are all completely submerged in the lime water solution and leave 1 inch headspace.
FAQ’s
It preserves eggs for long term storage without refrigeration.
They taste the exact same as a fresh laid egg.
No, water-glassing eggs does not alter the taste of the eggs. As long as they have not gone bad, they taste the same as a freshly laid egg.
Before cracking the egg open you can perform a float test. Place the egg in a bowl of water, if it floats the egg has gone bad and should not be eaten.
Hydrated lime is used when water glassing eggs.
FAQ’s
If they are stored properly they can last 12-18 months. If they are not stored in optimal conditions the shelf life will decrease.
Water glassing involves coating the eggshells with a thin layer of sodium silicate solution, which acts as a barrier against air and bacteria. This protective layer seals the pores on the shell surface, preventing oxygen from penetrating while maintaining moisture content within the egg.
Water glassing eggs is not approved by the USDA but this method has been used for centuries successfully. So if you water glass eggs do it at your own discretion.
Water glassing eggs is the most common practice for preserving eggs outside of freeze-drying.
You will need 1 quart of water or 32 ounces to 1 ounce pickling lime to make the lime solution.
In conclusion, water glassing eggs is a simple and cost-effective way to preserve eggs for an extended period. It provides an excellent solution for those who own backyard chickens and need to store their excess eggs. Water glassing eliminates the need for refrigeration, which can be especially useful in remote locations or during power outages. While there are some drawbacks to this preservation method, such as the risk of contamination if not done correctly, it remains a popular choice among homesteaders and farmers. With proper storage and handling techniques, water glassed eggs can last up to eight months without losing their quality or nutritional value.
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