Springtime on the homestead means more daylight, and happier chickens. Happier chickens make more eggs, and thus, we have an overabundance to deal with. In order to have plenty in the fall and winter months, water glassing eggs is the perfect solution.
What is Water glassing Eggs?
Water glassing eggs involves submerging clean, unwashed, eggs in a pickling lime and water solution to seal off the shell and preserve them for 12-18 months. The result is perfectly fresh, unspoiled eggs, just like they were the day the hen laid them. Sometimes properly water glassed eggs are still fresh even after two years. Homestead folks have been using this preservation method since the 1800s to capitalize on the springtime egg abundance year round.
There are a few different solutions that work for water glassing, such as sodium silicate and water, but today I am going to share a method for using hydrated lime, which is also known as pickling lime.
Tips:
You can fit approximately 16-18 eggs per half gallon jar.
Use your cleanest eggs for water glassing. I usually set aside the spotless ones and wait to water glass until I have enough of them. We wash the really dirty ones and store them in the refrigerator. If we keep up with cleaning the coop, and adding fresh straw or bedding, we have a lot more water glass candidates.
If you don’t have a water filter, and you only have access to chlorinated water, you can leave an open jar of water out on the counter for 24 hours. This will cause the chlorine to evaporate.
Use an airtight vessel. Oxygen is the enemy of nearly all food preservation methods, and water glassing is no exception!
Use 1 ounce of pickling lime per quart of water. You can do this in any quantity. So if you have 50 dozen eggs, get yourself some big old food grade buckets and whole lot of lime!
FAQ
Why should you preserve eggs?
We don’t usually think of eggs as a seasonal food, but they actually are. A hen’s ovulation coincides with the length of the day. In the winter, when the daylight hours are short, hens lay little to no eggs. Chickens reach their peak egg laying production when the daylight hours are longest. Heat can also affect ovulation, so springtime, between April and June, yields the highest egg volume here on our homestead. In order to avoid buying several dozen eggs a week in the middle of winter, it makes sense to preserve them when production is up.
Can you water glass store bought eggs?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot water glass store bought eggs. When hens lay eggs, they are covered with a protective “bloom” to keep the eggs fresher longer. This is the reason you can find a pile of eggs hidden somewhere on your homestead after a few weeks, and they are still perfectly fresh and edible. Eggs from the grocery store have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, so the bloom is no longer in tact. The lime solution in water glassing works with the bloom to preserve the eggs, so sanitized eggs are a definitee no-go for this method. Try freezing the eggs instead.
Can you use tap water to water glass eggs?
Avoid chlorinated and fluorinated water when water glassing eggs. Ideally you would have access to filtered water that still has all of the minerals intact. If you are on a well, tap water will work just fine. If you are on city water with chlorine and fluoride, opt for a filter, such as the Berkey Water Filter for water glassing eggs.
Can you boil water glass eggs?
You can hard boil eggs that have been water glassed, but it is important to note that you should first poke a small hole in the shell. The hydrated lime solution works by sealing off the egg, and filling all of the pores of the eggshell, so it could actually explode if you don’t first create a release for the pressure.
What is hydrated lime?
Hydrated lime aka calcium hydroxide is a dry and colorless white powder that is most commonly used in steel manufacturing. It is also known as pickling lime or slaked lime.
Can I use garden lime for water glassing eggs?
Garden lime is calcium carbonate, whereas pickling lime is calcium hydroxide. Since the hydroxide is more alkaline, pickling lime is recommended for water glassing.
Is it normal for the lime to settle on the bottom?
Yes, settling lime is a normal part of the process. You may be tempted to stir the solution back up, but don’t do it! You risk cracking the eggs and ruining the whole batch. There is still plenty of lime in the water to preserve the eggs, so no need to worry.
Are water glassed eggs safe to eat?
As long as the process was done properly, water glassed eggs are perfectly safe. Make sure to use clean jars and utensils and clean unwashed eggs. If an egg has gone bad, you will know. The smell will be way off. You can also use the float test to ensure the egg is still fresh.
Do they taste different than fresh eggs?
No! That is the best part about water glassed eggs. Freezing and dehydrating eggs changes the texture of the eggs, whereas water glassing keeps them exactly as they were the day the hen laid them.
When can I preserve farm fresh eggs?
Do you have an overabundance of eggs in the winter for some reason? No worries! You can use water glassing anytime. The eggs also don’t need to be harvested fresh that day. You can wait until you have enough clean ones saved up and do a big preserving day anytime!
Ingredients you will need:
1 ounce pickling lime
1 quart filtered water
Clean unwashed eggs (Eggs that have no poop or mud, and the “bloom” still fully intact)
Equipment:
Airtight Food grade bucket or half gallon glass jar
Kitchen scale (to weigh the pickling lime)
What types of eggs can you use:
Chicken Eggs
Quail Eggs
Duck Eggs
Any eggs can we water glassed!
How To Water Glass Eggs:
Measure out 1 ounce of pickling lime on your kitchen scale.
Add the pickling lime to a clean half gallon jar and fill it up halfway (one quart) with filtered water.
Whisk the lime into the water until it is fully incorporated.
Carefully add the eggs pointy side down.
Add an airtight lid to prevent oxygen from getting in, and prevent the water from evaporating.
Store the water glassed eggs in a cool dark place.
How Long Do They Last?
You can store water glassed eggs in a cool dark place for up to a year. Some people have had success for much longer.
Water Glassing Eggs
Springtime on the homestead means more daylight, and happier chickens. Happier chickens make more eggs, and thus, we have an overabundance to deal with. In order to have plenty in the fall and winter months, water glassing eggs is the perfect solution.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce pickling lime
- 1 quart filtered water
- Clean unwashed eggs (Eggs that have no poop or mud, and the "bloom" still fully intact)
Instructions
Measure out 1 ounce of pickling lime on your kitchen scale.
Add the pickling lime to a clean half gallon jar and fill it up halfway (one quart) with filtered water.
Whisk the lime into the water until it was fully incorporated.
Carefully add the eggs pointy side down.
Add an airtight lid to prevent oxygen from getting in, and prevent the water from evaporating.
Store the water glassed eggs in a cool dark place.
Notes
You can store water glassed eggs in a cool dark place for up to a year. Some people have had success for much longer.
Amy says
This is so great. You make the process sound very simple, and so–at last, after raising chickens for nearly twenty years and wasting a lot of extra eggs–I’m going to finally do this process myself. Thanks, Lisa!
Neenee says
I did the water glassing but I think I put too much lime into the gallon jar it has been sitting for about 2 weeks now do you think I should dump the water and redo
Sean says
Just decided to start myself, but I sure too much will not be a problem, better then not enough. I put 4oz in a washed gallon milk jug filled it shook it use so it did look like milk then poured over 17 eggs in the jar to the top put the lid and ring on carefully shook to get all the air bubbles out then poured more leaving no air left tightened the lid put away marking when canned.
Anonymous says
I did it for the first time last year and the eggs lasted 16 months. Did not know why the egg became watery but the taste and way it cooked scrambled was fine.
Suzee says
So I didn’t know you couldn’t use tap water and mine isn’t filtered. I did a dozen eggs and they been sitting for about a month. I ruined them didn’t I ??
Mary says
It depends on how chlorinated your water is. Crack one open after a few weeks – if it has gone bad you will have no doubt! If it’s still good, then it worked. Good luck!
Corbie Haas says
On FAQ #9 you said “Yes” that water glassed eggs taste the same as fresh eggs. I think you meant to say “No” – that they’re not different & taste the same as fresh. Love your blog! I just took a batch of sourdough crackers out of the oven. Fun tip – I add nutritional yeast to make them taste like “cheez-its”
Rebecca says
Would you be willing to share your recipe and the amount of nooch you add?
Thank you!!
Sherry says
Can the be refrigeratored for a couple days before waterglassing?
Tonya says
Sherry, I don’t think you are supposed to ever refrigerate them if you are waterglassing. I noticed in the video or here that she didn’t address this but in other water glassing videos I’ve watched they haven’t refrigerated them.
Also, of note, if you never refrigerate unwashed eggs I’ve heard they can last on the counter for a couple of months.
Mrs. Robinson says
Can you re-use the lime water after removing the eggs? If not, is there a way to recycle the water, i.e. for watering plants?
Mary says
I am wondering the same thing and am hoping someone on here can tell us!
Michele says
‘Lime Application in the Spring & in the Fall…….Of course, you will need to do this many weeks before the planting season. This is to allow the lime enough time for the nutrients to get into the soil’…..
NOW, this is in reference to garden lime, which is NOT edible, unless U R talking of slaked lime……but lime has been used in garden for many years to bring soil PH to desired levels.
Perhaps try put in compose pile after diluting out; I pour on my grass, (never the same spot, keep rotating around), but I am generally pouring on cold frozen ground, (which also help dilute it more), because i use my water glassed egg in winter months, & grass seems fine in spring….but I would NOT use fully concentrated, as immediately after removing eggs, too concentrated i believe. I guess U could try experiment to feed flower soil🤔…..esp. those that require specific ph. I would just be cautious as to the amount, since it will change the ph levels. Do some Google searches or ask U garden center, do some education digging BEFORE APPLICATION. BEST of luck….let us know how U make out if U try something😉👍
Michele says
CORRECTION: I DID NOT MEAN “EDIBLE” LIME. …..NO LIME IS TO BE TAKEN INTERNALLY….THIS CAN MAKE U VERY SICK.
WHAT I MEANT TO SAY IS: FOOD GRADE SAFE LIME; SUCH AS SLAKED LIME OR PICKELING LIME.
Lisa says
I wouldn’t recommend using refrigerated eggs, because the bloom ends up washing off (unintentionally) when the eggs are brought ton room temperature and the cold eggs sweat from being exposed to room temp air.
Cathie says
Hey there, I was just reading this article and I noticed that it mentions the bloom being intact. What is the bloom on an egg? I don’t have fresh eggs, but my nephew has hens in his backyard. We live in th city and I was thinking of trying this water glassing method with some fresh eggs from him. Hopefully lots of eggs this spring, I don’t want to do this wrong. Can you tell me what I am looking for?
Lisa says
When hens lay eggs, they are covered with a protective “bloom” to keep the eggs fresher longer. If you wash your eggs thoroughly, you’ll remove this protective layer. You can’t see this protective layer, so there is nothing to look for. The key is to have clean unwashed eggs (Eggs that have no poop or mud, and the “bloom” still fully intact). Hope that helps!
Michele says
NO. NEVER. Just as Tonya stated below; condensation & destruction of intact bloom.
BR says
I think you meant,”No!” Instead of “Yes!” after the question about if water-glassed eggs taste different than regular eggs. Thanks for the recipes! I’ve been trying out water-glassed eggs this year.
Lisa says
You are correct! That was a typo.
Penny Thompson says
Morning. I’ve been waterglassing my eggs for several years. Can you reuse the lime solution or do you need to start again with new lime solution?
Thanks.
Alyssa Cain says
I’d like to have an answer to this too!
Lisa says
I recommend starting with fresh lime solution.
Michele says
I would NOT. I am NOT 4 sure; but I think that would NOT be the best safe practice. BEST to be safe😉👍
Marilyn Burrows says
Good afternoon. Really enjoy your podcasts and articles.
A couple Questions about the Water Glassing eggs article.
1. As long as the bloom has not been washed off the egg can you add eggs after starting a container but without the lime and water? Say I have 1 dozen fresh eggs. Can I start putting the eggs in the container I am going to water glass them in and add say another dozen in a couple days?
2. When I open the air tight container can I just remove say 6 eggs and reseal it up? Will the remainder of the eggs be okay?
Thank you for all your information.
Your family is so adorable.
Marilyn
Lisa says
Hi Marilyn, I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t add as you go, but I have not personally tried it. I also remove as needed.
Michele says
Hello, I have seen some use 5 gallon buckets and mix up for 1 gallon, place in eggs, then have another gallon, mix more lime water, then add more eggs and keep repeating till 5 gallon bucket full with a 4 inch head space of water.
As for collecting eggs, yes….. u can leave U R unwashed, bloom intact eggs either on counter in basket or bowl, or in U R container till U have desired amount; no need to put lid on though. Don’t want to generate heat, but keep air flow & out of sun light. Hope this helped….and remember, when getting ready to cook with U R lined eggs, Wash thoroughly & ALWAYS float test EVERY egg. Happy preserving😁
Judy says
If you open the jar to use one of the eggs, do you then risk contamination of the remainder if you don’t use them up soon after? Or can you just close it up and still have them ok throughout the year?
(Do farmers’ market eggs have the bloom?)
Barbie says
I would love to know this also.
Shelly says
When I sold my chicken eggs to someone for the local farmers market, I was told to wash them before packaging them for her. So I did.
Janette Holland says
My mother told me she remembered collecting the eggs as a small child and putting them in the kerosene tin my gran had the lime solution in, and also getting eggs from it when they were cooking, so adding to and taking from the batch obviously didn’t hurt…my Gran lived to 95 and my mum is almost 82!
Lisa says
Thank you for sharing.
Lily says
AWESOME you answered my question, on opening and taking out what I needed and sealing it up again. I’ll be using glass jars though
Holly says
Most farmers market eggs are washed. What I do is preorder 4 dozen at a time and request they not be washed or refrigerated. The seller is happy to do this if you let them know in advance.
Michele says
NO. U MUST REQUEST THEM SPECIFICALLY; FRESH, WITH BLOOM ON, UNWASHED & UNREFRIGERATED. ONCE REFRIGERATED, THEY CAN NOT BE WATER GLASSED. ALL EGGS ONCE REFRIGERATED MUST GO IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
Now, I go directly to the farm to obtain my eggs, & I notify them as to how many I will need in another 4 weeks.
But, those @ farmers market will try to accomadate U R request for: REQUEST THEM SPECIFICALLY be FRESH, WITH BLOOM ON, UNWASHED & UNREFRIGERATED.
Hope this helps.
Nicky Harrison says
I’ve been looking into water glassing and liming as an alternative to freezing eggs but Read that it isn’t recommended due to the risk of botulism? Eggs are a botulism risk because they are low acid and botulism has also been linked to the use of pickling lime. I’m sad about it because I could really do with finding a better way of preserving them. I’m not sure whether sodium silicate carries the same risk but then I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be using chemicals like that with my food.
Prtlndblnd says
If you look at the CDC website an average of 110 people a year are diagnosed with botulism in the US each year, 75% of which are infants (presumable fed raw honey). Much of the adult population is in Alaska (canned fish). The likelihood of getting sick from store bought foods is much much higher than your home preserved food.
Theresa D-V says
Here is a good article from Food Safety News. Water glassing is not recommended:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/12/how-to-store-eggs-safely-its-all-a-matter-of-how-you-look-at-the-data/
Sydney Kearnes says
I read the entire article. Nowhere does it state that water glassing is not an acceptable way to preserve eggs. This is what it says, “Our ancestors looked at a range of techniques to preserve eggs, from burying them in lime to coating them with sodium silicate (water glass). The methods were relatively effective, with more than a one-year shelf life being reported, although prolonged storage had negative effects on egg quality such as coagulating the white and imparting interesting flavors to the yolk.” The rest of the article mostly discusses the advantages or disadvantages of washing eggs.
Jerry says
I read it to looking for the recommendation NOT to wayerglass. Did not find it.
Alyssa Cain says
I’m currently glassing a batch of eggs. This is my seconding time trying this. The first time the results were so-so. I’m wondering, my lime settles to the bottom so quickly – do you think my water is not hot enough? Do I need to whisk longer?
Michele says
U can wisk more, but the settling of the lime is very common. If U see the pics in the post, it all has settlement, It’s normal. Hopefully, U can find others, (either locally or in a church group, or on U tube, or some other form of social group to pair up with) to venture into some of the old ways practices, IT WILL GIVE U MORE CONFIDENCE & U make some great new friends along the way. BEST wishes😊
Annie says
Wow, I’ve never used hot water when mixing it with my lime! Only cold. And I’ve never had a problem with having beautiful eggs 10 months later (I’ve not tried leaving them longer, no need to so far)
Settling of the lime on the bottom is normal btw.
Susie says
I put a long drinking straw carefully into my jar full of eggs and lime water and blow gently to mix when I add mor eggs.
Shay S. says
Can you use clean unwashed refrigerated eggs?
Does the cold of the refrigerator change them?
Thanks!
Kristie Popoca Tuthill says
I’ve heard no on this. When you refrigerate eggs the condensation can affect the bloom. So I would go with fresh eggs from the “counter”.
Glenda Stinchcomb says
Once you use the glasses eggs, can you then reuse the lime water to glass more eggs.
Richard Mueller says
To save money, can Chemstar Type S Organic Hydrated Lime be used as a pickling lime? You can buy this at hardware stores. Thank you
Michele says
So, I have seen people use SLAKED LIME, it is SUPPOSIDLY the same chemical composition as pickeling lime, in the garden center & is cheaper & in bulk.
I AM NOT SURE of U R brand / type lime…..best do do U R research on U R brand. ….it should be food grade & read SLAKED lime.
But honestly, I like small bags of pickeling lime because it stays sealed and every so often I am using a fresh sealed bag….but that is just me😊
I think a safe rule is…..if UNSURE,….. DON’T USE IT.
HEALTH SAFETY ALWAYS COMES 1ST.😉
Mei-Chang says
If the batch is not contaminated, can I safely re-use again? again?
When contaminated…how to dispose of?
Jeanne Baker says
I started my first batch last July. I am finding that the white of the egg is a brownish tint. Is that normal?
Michele says
DID THE JAR SMELL FOUL WHEN U INITIALLY OPENED? IF SO, THEY R bad, toss the entire jar…… WHERE THEY STILL UNDER THE WATER LEVEL? If not, they may have gone rancid, then toss out the entire jar. R they in the edible time frame? 6 mon to 1 yr? I DO NOT KEEP LONGER THAN THIS.
I have NOT had this issue. DID U DO THE FLOAT TEST for eggs? If the sank & stayed on bottom, they SHOULD be good…..BUT, if U R unsure…..best to toss them all out. REMEMBER: eggs R not the most expensive items to eat, and it is ALWAYS BEST TO PRACTICE SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES. So, I always feel….WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT! It is NOT worth U R health.
Be safe.
Debbie Mraz says
Can the lime solution be used again after using the eggs. ?
Anonymous says
Wow! Am almost 74 and never heard of this age old process. Will surely try it!!
Michele says
Best to watch some U Tube videos 1st. Get some education 1st. AND do some small jars 1st as a test run (U can do a quart canning jar size to start off)…..this way, if it fails for whatever reason, U don’t have to throw out large batches of eggs. Best of luck, have fun & happy water glassing.😁
Becky E. says
I am getting ready to use some of my water glassed eggs. My question is, can I get some of the eggs out, wash them and put them in the fridge for use? Or do I have to get out of the solution and use immediately? I would like to have some in the fridge so the family does not have to go into the bucket of eggs daily.
Lizz says
I’m also wondering this
Linda A. says
I don’t see why not after they are washed. The main concern is not disturbing the bloom *before* waterglassing. Afterwards you treat it like you would any other egg.
Michele says
I see no comments are getting answered but I thought I would try anyways, How do you seal a mason jar to make it air tight without getting the eggs hot? Also, like several people already asked, can you open the container and remove 1-2 eggs and reseal without it contaminating the whole process?
Kim says
This isn’t an answer but I’d like to know this as well. Plus if I can keep adding eggs and covering them with more lime/water.
Yvonne says
Do I need to add more lime mixture as I add more eggs?
Lisa says
As long as the eggs are submerged completely in lime it should be fine. If you have more eggs them lime mixture than make another batch. Hope that helps.
Anonymous says
You can buy a canning pump that will suck all the air out of the mason jar and the lid will seal airtight.
Casey says
These don’t work via an airtight seal – the lime coating the eggs/bloom is all the seal they need. Air can’t get below the surface to contaminate the eggs, and that’s the reason for the extra fluid space above the eggs (generally 2 inches).
You can take eggs out just fine since it’s not airtight, and you can even add eggs, but it’s better to start a new jar so that you don’t mix old and new eggs. The lid is to stop physical contaminants like dust and bugs, but it need not be airtight (and honestly probably shouldn’t be because all that does is add a small risk of botulism)
Michele says
Hello, 😊 I am unsure of what U mean by “How do you seal a mason jar to make it air tight without getting the eggs hot?”
U R NOT ‘canning’ eggs once in jar with lime water…..there is no heat involved. U simply mix up the filtered water and pickeling lime well, add U R farm fresh, unrefrigerated, unwashed, with bloom intact, into the lime water solution, with the pointy part of the egg facing downward (best that U can, they do shift), then put lid on and store in a cool, dark place for 6 months to 1 year. Upon retrieving to use,withdraw the desired amount of eggs U wish to use at that time, (I use a clean spoon if only taking 4 out, as not to contaminate the lime Water with my hands)& reapply lid & place remaingback in cool dark storage spot. Or, if using entire jar, I extract ALL EGGS & place them in a bath cold water to check for any floaters (they R trash), & thoroughly rub under water, the lime residue off, place them to drip off on a towel. Then, I empty sink, Wash it down clean, rinse sink well, & refill and submerge those eggs in again and rub lime residue off again, then place on a clean towel to drip and get ready to place in frig in my bowel. Then, when ready to use from frig, I SINK TEST EVERY EGG I about to use at that
moment. If they sink, they R trash. These eggs in frig will keep fresh 2 wks fine for me & taste good. I keep repeating this process and so far, THANK GOD, I HAVE BEEN SAFE & REMAIN HEALTHY.
FYI, the pickeling lime can make U VERY SICK IF U DO NOT RUB & RINSE EGG SHELL WELL; so, I just do twice to ensure food safety.
ALSO, U R NOT TO EAT THESE WATER GLASSED EGGS RAW. In fact, ingesting RAW UNCOOKED EGGS of ANYKIND IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
ALSO, GO WATCH SOME U TUBE VIDEOS, or try this with someone who does it already; IT WILL BOOST U R CONFIDENCE THAT U R DOING IT CORRECTLY.
I pray this has helped U😇
Best of luck on U R endeavors.
Kim says
You stated, “if they sink , they are trash, ” its “if they float ,they are trash”
Kim Wilson says
MY hen’s do not leave clean eggs! So I wash them! Is that going to be a problem later on?
Rooster says
Everything I read about this says you cannot use washed eggs. Takes the bloom off and makes the shell porous allowing the lime to soak through the shell. I’m starting my first batch today
Michelle Nunez says
I pour the pickling liquid into a bowl and gently wash off the straw and poop before placing eggs in the jar I’ve prepared. I date the top with a post it note and take from the oldest jars first. Works great and haven’t had any issues.
Deborah says
What if u do not have a cool dark place, if u can go dark but not cool how long will they last?
Michele says
U can place in vupboard, BUT, IT CAM NOT BE NEAR HEATER, OR HEAT SOURCE, OR WHERE SUNLIGHT MAY WARM THROUGHOUT THE DAY. Try a spare bedroom closet in the back ON THE FLOOR, (since heat rises), maybe in a cardboard box, so U don’t accidentally forget & break it! Our SAFE PRACTICE IS COOL, DARK PLACE.
I PLACE IN BASEMENT, ON SHELF, BACK IN THE COARDBOARD BOX THE JAR CAME IN. Mine have done well.
HOPE THIS HELPS.😊
Carla Fisher says
Try the bottom of an inner wall closet.
Debbi says
Can I waterglass eggs that have been refrigerated?
Jo says
Debbie,
No, you must find a farmer and request eggs that are unwashed and unrefrigerated. These can last up to 2 years. Do not put in the refrigerator ever. Eggs can sit out on your counter for 6 to 9 months if they have the bloom still intact. Wash it off the egg before using.
Ashley kincaid says
I’m new to this. Please explain.
Do I need to store in the amount of eggs we use? If I store in a big container, are the rest of eggs ok, they we dont use? When its time to use said eggs, do I take them all out and place back on counter? In fridge?
Mary says
I don’t quite understand all of what you are asking, but I’ll try to answer. You can take eggs out to use as needed. The rest of the eggs will be fine, as long as you use clean utensils and do not contaminate the water in the process. Once you remove the eggs you should wash off the lime solution. They now need to be refrigerated since you have removed the bloom by washing. Hope this helps!
Karry says
I usually leave my eggs on the counter. Do eggs that have been water glassed have to be refrigerated or can they stay in the counter like fresh eggs?
Mary says
Once you remove the eggs you should wash off the lime solution. They now need to be refrigerated since you have removed the bloom by washing.
Mary says
I re-read your comment and realize I’m not actually sure what you are asking. Are you wondering if the preserved eggs should be put in the refrigerator while still in the lime solution? Because that is not necessary. The point of preserving in the lime water is so they don’t have to be refrigerated. Just keep them on a dark shelf or cupboard.
Margo D says
See Mary’s answer right above your question.
Vin says
I water glasses eggs last year…two floated to the top and had cracks and went bad. Are ll the other eggs bad as well?
Thanks
Mary says
I have read that if one goes bad, you have to throw them all out. It’s one of the reasons I use multiple jars instead of one large container. That said, I never throw something out that looks and smells fine. I just crack into a separate bowl before cooking. Depends on how comfortable you are with that level of risk.
Jane says
Help please!! I found a cracked egg in my water glassing bucket, when I went to pick it up it broke, dripping into the bucket. Can I continue using the same water or are those eggs all ruined now? TIA
Kari Hayes says
I have the same question. We just went to check on our eggs, one was cracked and when we picked it up it broke into the water. I will obviously change the water because it stinks, but are the rest of the eggs still good?
Mary says
Not sure what you did, since this was almost 2 months ago. Personally, I would have removed all the eggs and rinsed and used them. I was thinking you could rinse them all off and start over with fresh lime water, but rinsing removes the bloom and you need that intact for this to work. Curious what you decided to do?
Julie says
I have a similar question. A couple of my eggs in separate containers cracked. The solution is murky and yellowish compared to other containers (those still look the same as day one). Can I rescue the remaining eggs by removing the cracked eggs and replacing the solution? Or is the entire batch a loss? Note; I believe they were unharmed for several months previous to cracking, which leads me to believe the rest would have been well coated with lime solution before being exposed to the cracked egg.
Debbie ingram says
Hi I have a question about watering glassing eggs. I made the mistake and used tap water .
Can I take my eggs out of them lime
tap water and start over with filtered water. Please respond asap. I did this 10 hrs ago.
Can I start over
Lynn Stevens says
I I am going to water glass my eggs in quart Mason jars. After many months when I open the jars can I take out all of the eggs in that jar ( 12 ) and rinse them and put them in my refrigerator to use over the next week OR should I just take out two for my breakfast leave the rest in the jar and take out more as needed.
Michele says
We REALLY WANNA know this too!!
Lisa says
You can take them out as you need them, and leave the rest!
Kim says
Thanks Lisa, and can I keep adding new eggs and lime/water since there is still room in the jar!
Michele says
LOTS of great questions here that we need answers to. PLEASE someone answer them!!
Valerie Best says
How long do unwashed eggs last in a refrigerator?
Gayle Kane says
Good morning 😊 I don’t have my own chickens so I found a local farmer. Since I’m brand new to this process I want to make sure I clearly understand just how perfectly clean the eggs need to be. The farmer’s wife assured me the eggs were not washed. She obviously did not understand when I said they needed to be clean. Out of 3 dozen that I prepaid her for, I was only able to use 10 eggs that appeared ‘perfectly clean’ to me. I have only 7 more eggs that have the teeniest, tiniest specks on them that ‘might’ be dirt or poo residue. It’s so little I jus can’t be sure. The rest are obviously smudged and dirty. The 7 questionables look good to me but I want to be sure. Thank you so much for any help or advice!
Lisa says
Hi Gayle, they need to be perfectly clean so I wouldn’t use ones that could have poop or possibly have poop.
deb says
If there is any poop or dirt on the eggs, you can just remove with using a damp cloth to wipe off.
Sharon Logsdon says
Are you able to then open the jar, use a few eggs and reseal for later? Or once the jar is opened should you use the eggs within a timeframe? Do you refrigerate the eggs once opened?
Lisa says
You can open the jar, take out as many eggs as you need and then place the lid back on the jar and keep it in storage.
Rachel says
Hi, if the eggs are clean but not washed farm eggs and then I needed to put them in the refrigerator while waiting for the lime to get in, can I still do this method?
Mary says
Nope. No fridge before lime water. Sorry!
Shannon McGrath says
This is my first year for water glassing so lots of questions. Hen I opened one of my egg filled containers, the water has divided and looks like grease. I washed my new 3 gallon buckets with soapy water and prepared the line solution properly. The thing I did differently is, I added eggs to my container daily until my bucket was filled with all eggs covered. Is this ok?
Lisa says
You can continue to add eggs to the bucket. Was the bucket a food grade bucket? The lime and water naturally do separate. I’m wondering if there as some type of contamination, from either the bucket or the eggs.
ME says
How was this done in the past when people didn’t own scales?
Mary says
Coffee cup, tin can, scoop with the hands! Lol! It’s not exact science.
Deb says
I have tried training my eye….first few batches I used the same glass cup and spoon to measure out an ounce of lime. Since then I make my best attempt at an ounce and then check myself with the scale…that has worked really well for me. If I ever don’t have a scale I’ll already know what an ounce of lime looks like!
Kimerbly says
I had put a bunch of eggs back in the spring when i had a layer boom. I though they were all safe after wiping and doing a float test. Today when checking them i noticed on the other eggs was cracked and leaking into the lye solution. Would you toss the entire jar, or are the ones that have not cracked still safe.
Lisa says
From my understanding, if one egg breaks then entire batch is ruined.
Rita Schimelpfening says
PLEASE HELP… I have 2 questions about watering glassing eggs. I made the mistake and used tap water. Should I take my eggs out of the lime tap water and start over with filtered water. I did this 2 hrs ago.
Also some of my eggs are floating! Is that normal or do I need to remove them?
Please, Please, Please respond asap.
Lisa says
Eggs should not float. That usually indicates they are not good and should be removed. Ideally you want to use non-chlorinated filtered water. If you are on a well then “tap” water is fine. Chlorine in the water can prevent prevent proper preservation.
Kadi says
Hi. I don’t have access to buy ready made pickling lime. If I use slaked quicklime will that work the same? Thanks
KATHY says
CAN YOU DO A PARTIAL JAR AND ADD MORE WHEN YOU GET MORE EGGS OR DO YOU WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE ENOUGH EGGS TO FILL A JAR?
Lisa says
Yes you can.
Lisa c says
Help,I water glassed eggs and something went wrong….the water is gross and there’s a rotten smell coming from them! What did I do wrong? Want to fix prior to trying again so I don’t make the same mistakes,please he’ll! I used filtered water, pickling salt and closed the glass jars tightly
Lisa says
My guess is that one or some of the eggs had poop on them (they have to be perfectly clean unwashed eggs) or did an egg crack in the jar? I’m just making some guesses here. Hopefully that helps.
Mary Hardesty says
Not pickling salt. It is pickling lime.
Jennifer Privett says
Question. I heard you can keep adding to your container, for let’s say a month. When you go to use the eggs, in a year or so, is there a certain time you should have them all used up?
Janet Schexnayder says
Just FYI (you may want to update above text) — our city now uses chloramine instead of chlorine to disninfect our drinking water. Chloramine does not dissipate (“off-gas”) overnight, or even over a week. There are ways to neutralize the chloramine, one of which might be to add a tiny bit of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to the water. I add 1/2 teaspoon to a bathtub full of water to prevent my skin burning after I get out of the bathtub. For some reason I am more sensitive than most.
Mary says
Thank you for this information! I’m going to put this next to my tub!
Karen says
Hello – have enjoyed reading our posts!
I have WATER GLASSED eggs from JUNE 2021 –
today I went to used them and many of the eggs had broken yolks.
There is NO smell!
Several were intact – looked wonderful (white maybe a touch more watery).
About to fry a fresh egg vs the WATER GLASSED egg!
Have you had broken YOLKS and are they safe to use?????
Lisa says
I have not. You don’t want to use the yolks that have broken in the solution.
Rachel Sterling says
I did my first batch of eggs this morning and had a few floaters. I’m assuming I should take them out after reading your instructions, which answers one of two questions I had. My remaining question then is this… I plan to obtain more eggs here in the next few days. Can I add them to the solution I already mixed up? I mixed way to much for the eggs that I currently had and don’t want to waste it. Thanks!
Lisa says
Yes that is totally fine! And you are right, floaters are not good.
Suzanne says
I had a batch of water glassed eggs. When I reached in to get some out, one broke. I immediately made another batch of lime water and transferred the rest of the unbroken eggs to it in the hopes of saving the rest of them. I haven’t attempted to use them yet as I’m would like more guidance regarding this incident. Please advise as to whether they can still be used or should I just toss the whole bucket out? Many thanks!
Laurie says
I water glassed eggs 5 months ago. When I take them out and put them in some water they do not float to the top of the water. So that tells that they are still good. They don’t smell when I put them out into the pan. However, they are very watery when I drop them in the pan and must always scramble them. After cooking them they have a smell about them that is different than store bought eggs. They smell slightly rotten . Why is this? Are these eggs still good? Should they come out of the shell watery?
Lisa says
Smell is a pretty good indicator for me. If they smell off, I pitch them in the compost!
Jennifer Lukens says
I finally found some jars big enough (big pickle jars) but they don’t have a lid. Can I use a few layers of plastic wrap and put a rubber band around them?
Lisa says
Yes for sure. It is really just for a barrier to keep bugs and dust out.
Carolyn says
What are the parameters of a cool dark room? Is out in the shed in the winter too cool?
Lisa says
Depending on where you live it could be too cool. If it gets to freezing I would say it is. It could be a basement, garage or kitchen cabinet.
Mary says
After you remove the eggs, can you reuse the same mixture for a new batch of eggs?
Lisa says
I personally do not recommend doing this.
McDiy says
Note about chlorinated water. Only free chlorine will dissipate in a day or two. Chloraminated water (chlorine & ammonia) will last weeks. However you can dechlorinate the water with a tiny bit of vitamin C. I have used a single 1000mg vitamin C tablet to dechlorinate 50 gallons of water (used professional testing equipment). I have been working in public drinking water since 1998. Chloraminated water is becoming much more widely used than free chlorine due to it’s long lasting residual.
Jodie says
Can I add eggs daily? Or do they need to be put in all at once?
Lisa says
Eggs can be added daily as they come in.
Linda Hanlon says
I went to check on my eggs about 4 months into waterglassing and found a broken egg. Will all of the eggs be bad now?
Sara says
How do you use the eggs after they have been in the lime water. Do you wash them off and put in the fridge?
Lisa says
Usually I just wash them and use them right away. Removing what I need when I need it.
Mary says
I do a bunch at a time and put them in the fridge for others to use. If you’re the only cook in the house, wash as needed works. I may not be the only cook, but I am the designated egg washer! 😂
Caroline says
Hello! I water glassed 12-5 gallon buckets of eggs this summer. I did come across a website that stated that it is unsafe. My first bucket was in June, and I just opened and scrambled a few of them up, the taste was funny (very bland), and they were runny when I cracked them into a bowl! I am so afraid now that ALL my eggs are bad and I should just chuck them all out. Any thoughts?
Franky says
Can you dunk unwashed eggs to clean into 1st jar lime wash then put into 2nd jar lime water to store?
Lisa says
I’m not sure why. The eggs should be clean (without washing) before then go into the solution and wouldn’t need to be dunked into one and stored into another.
Milly says
The USDA does not endorse water glassing eggs.
Yet, I have documented the procedures.
I will do only if the SHTF.
Bonnie says
I too read that water glassing isn’t recommended for to botulism. Yet so many people do it and they say successfully. What is SHTF?
CM says
Once you fill the jar and store the eggs, are you able to get an egg out here and there or do you have to use all of the stored eggs up at once?
Lisa says
Can use one at a time.
Cynthia says
I have a jar of water glassed eggs from about 6 months ago. I’ve done this before and haven’t had issues. This batch does not have a rotten egg smell (I DO know what that smells like!), but rather the water smells ‘fishy’ for lack of a better description. I have not tried to use them yet. Should I toss the whole batch?
Lisa says
I would toss anything with weird smells. Smell is the best indicator of bad eggs.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Jordan says
Hi, I am just starting water glassing about a month ago, and so far I have several large Mason jars full of about a dozen and 1/2 eggs each. I noticed that one of the jars was cloudy and one of the eggs inside had broken. Do you have a recommendation on what to do with the other eggs from that jar? I don’t think they were contaminated for very long and the solution didn’t smell. I washed them and put them in the fridge for now.
Lisa says
so sorry I missed this! I am sure you already used these eggs or decided to discard them. If a similar situation arises in the future, I would just use them now that they have sat in the water and been in the fridge. The bloom is probably mostly removed at this point, so I wouldn’t repeat the water glassing process with them. I use my nose as an indicator, so if they smell ok I personally would use them.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Michele says
Works wonderfully. I am on my 4th gallon jar of water glassed eggs of 20 I did 7 months ago (oldest to last one 3 MONTHS ago). Be sure to rinse the lime off shell thoroughly, it can make U sick. I generally rinse mine 2 x’s, then towel dry, then place in frig. I ALWAYS float test EVERY EGG each time go to cook as well. U can do this, but, I am changing from gallon jars to quarts, because they are lighter and less Risk 4 me of cracking eggs when transporting to basement, I am VERY CAREFUL when transporting to basement and placing in cardboard boxes on shelves in basement (cool, dark storage) Good luck y’all.
Michele says
Oh, also……IF ANY EGG IS CRACKED IN U PUT UP JAR…..IR IF THE WATER HAS EVAPIRATED BELIW THE EGGS AT ALL……U MUST THROW THE ENTIRE JAR AWAY; THEY R CONTAMINATED AND CAN MAKE U VERY SICK…..AND AGAIN, ALWAYS, ALWAYS DO A FLOAT TEST BEFORE USING ANY OF THE EGGS……THEY MUST SINK & STAY ON THE BOTTOM……..IF NOT, TRASH THEM😉🐣🐤🐥
Lindsay says
Once you have tightened up the jar can you reopen it to continue to add eggs?
Lisa says
Yes, I believe you can add more eggs.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Charlene says
Where do you all buy your lime from? I looked all over for slack, pickling, and hydrated lime but no one had it available. Walmart has pickling lime but it was expensive and tiny packages. Any advice would be appreciated.
Lisa says
You can find it on amazon, although it is pretty expensive. https://amzn.to/3Vp0kYT Azure Standard has it for pretty cheap!
Margo D says
I tried water glassing, and did all the stuff prescribed, but when I washed some eggs for use I found the were heavier than normal. None of them floated, so I knew they weren’t rotten . However, when I broke them to see how they appeared the yolks never stayed whole, and the consistency seemed off. I was afraid to try them on my family so I dumped them all.
Even though eggs are twice what the were, I won’t be doing this again. Fortunately, I only paid $1.50 a dozen for them from a local farmer.
Joe Ladd says
Hello from NC, I received from a trusted friend a 5 gallon bucket of glassed eggs (140 eggs) as a gift. He used pickling lime and water from his well to water glass these eggs. I placed the food grade bucket with a screw on lid in our storage closet along with other supplies. Out of curiosity, I removed the lid and found 1 egg Floating and cracked and a thin film on top of the water. It stunk pretty bad! Did the rest of the 139 eggs get destroyed???
Lisa says
Oh no! I typically toss anything with weird smells. Smell is the best indicator of bad eggs.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Leslie says
Must the jar be completely full all at once, or can I continue to add eggs until it is full as long as they are submerged?
Lisa says
I believe you can continue to add more eggs.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
D says
I don’t have a scale. How many tablespoons of lime in an oz.
Lisa says
I believe there are approximately two tablespoons in an ounce.
Maggie says
My water started to smell swampy and not so good after 4-5 months. What might I have done wrong? Would using tap water instead of filtered cause a problem?
Lisa says
It’s possible. I would suggest using filtered water if at all possible.
Rj says
May I reuse the lime water for my next batch of eggs
Lisa says
I recommend starting with a fresh lime solution.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Dolores says
Does it matter if the lime settles mostly to the bottom of the container
Lisa says
Settling lime is a normal part of the process. You may be tempted to stir the solution back up, but don’t do it! You risk cracking the eggs and ruining the whole batch. There is still plenty of lime in the water to preserve the eggs, so no need to worry.
Kristy says
So you know if you can reuse the lime solution after you’ve used a jar of water glassed eggs?
Lisa says
I recommend starting with a fresh lime solution.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Amy says
I have a question re: amount of lime per half gallon. Isn’t ratio 1 oz. Lime to quart? If so, then should you use 2 oz. lime per half gallon, not 1oz. as stated in recipe?
I’m getting ready to try water glassing and I want to make sure I’m doing it correctly. Thank you for your assistance.
Lisa says
You are correct. The recipe states 1 oz per quart. So if you were making a half gallon of solution you would want to use 2 oz. In the recipe, I use 1 oz of lime solution in a half gallon jar and only fill it up half way. This leaves room for the eggs.
Lily says
Thank you for this! So, it doesn’t hurt to open the jar, get out what you need, then screw the lid back on? In other words, take out eggs as needed? I like where you recommend to do the egg test for freshness. will do before and after the jar procedure.
Where is the best place to get the jars and pickling lime?
Lisa says
Yep, just take out the eggs you want to use and then place the lid back on. You can easily find them on at farm stores.
Ruth Allen says
Would it be alright to store the water glassed eggs in the frig? I live in Arizona, and it gets very hot here.
Lisa says
I think that would be fine. I have never tried it, but many people will store their eggs in a root cellar which is cool.
Ruth Allen says
What is the water solution I use besides the pickling lime? This is all new to me.
Lisa says
Just the lime water solution. It naturally separates if that is what you are referring to.
Debbie S. says
Question,
Can I use a 1gal jug? Also my egge are double yolks and has been refrigerated.Is that ok?
Lisa says
Should be fine as long and they are not washed. What type of jug? Glass or hard plastic (like a food grade 5 gallon bucket) work well.
Susan says
Thank you
Vicki says
I’ve used all my water glassed eggs. Can I reuse the lime water and add more eggs?
Lisa says
I would not reuse it. I recommend starting with a fresh lime solution each time.
Colette Wilber says
Do you put an ounce of pickling lime in every quart or water if you are doing a gallon ?
Lisa says
Yes. An ounce of pickling lime for every quart of water.
Rita G. says
The eggs are fine (after 8months), but my Ball Jar seems like it was edged by the line. Is this possible? What did I do wrong and how do I clean my jar?
Lisa says
I would try soaking in a little vinegar. I have not experienced this.
Karen says
I have a couple of questions. Should the jar be totally filled to the top with the water/lime mixture? Or should there be some headspace? Also, we do get lots of eggs every day in the winter here in Iowa, but even if we collect them a few times a day, sometimes they are as cold as if they were in the fridge. Can I still use those if they warm up to room temp without getting any condensation on them?
Lisa says
The jar should have some headspace so you can add the eggs without the lime solution pouring over. For the second part of the question, I would be afraid that when the eggs warm up condensation occurs potentially washing off the bloom making them unsafe to water glass.
Jenny says
I was told that the 50 pound bags of hydrated lime at the local feed store was the same as using the pickling lime. I made sure it is not the gardening lime. Is it ok to use this instead of the small bags of pickling lime?
Lisa says
I have not personally tried this.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Sharon says
Thank you for sharing your recipe
Lisa says
Glad I could help!
Nicky says
I have about 2 wks worth of eggs that I have collected. I have not washed them but they have been sitting in my garage in the egg basket which stays cooler than room temperature in my house.
I have everything to start the water glassing process but know I am thinking that I should have set them in the house.
Are the eggs still ok to water glass since they are clean and unwashed?
Lisa says
As long as they don’t condensate and look wet when you bring them indoors. I feel like this would wash off the protective bloom.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Melissa says
Thank you for a great write up on water glassing! I have farm fresh, unwashed eggs but the farmer I get them from keeps them in the fridge! (Because he sells commercially as well) can an unwashed, refrigerated egg be water glassed?
Lisa says
I don’t think this would be safe. When the cold eggs come to room temperature they may create condensation which could compromise the bloom.
Jo Walker says
Stupid question I’m sure but how do you use the water glass eggs? Can I take them out as needed and add more to replenish them when available? Thanks
Wayne says
Thank you! Can you use fresh eggs that you refrerated! And can you use the plastic white caps, or do you have to use the canning lids with screwbands? Ty
Lisa says
Plastic white caps are fine. I don’t think it would be safe to use refrigerated eggs because when they come to room temperature they may produce condensation which could compromise the bloom
Rodger Carter says
Can you water glass farm fresh eggs that have been refrigerated? I have 8 laying hens and I have several dozen eggs that I have refrigerated. Can I remove them from the refrigerator and water glass them. They have not been washed? The reason I ask this is because it’s winter time and it’s cold so when I daily gather my eggs they are just as cold as they would be if refrigerated.
Lisa says
I don’t recommend using refrigerated eggs. It may not be safe due to condensation possibly being produced which could compromise the bloom.
Mary says
With water glassed eggs… when you open the container we go use them, do you just take out what you need and re-close the container, or take all of them out, rinse, and refrigerate?
Lisa says
Take out as you need them, rinse, and use. You don’t have to take them all out at one time.
Tonya Weakley says
I am starting to use eggs that were water glassed about 13 months ago. (I used 1 gallon jars, 30-32 eggs each). The jar looks fine and smells fine, and the eggs smell fine when opened. However, in many cases the egg is slightly stuck to the inside of the shell, and when it detaches, the yolk breaks. The yolk seems to be more fragile than when they were first laid. The white is less thick (more watery) as well. Is this normal, or should I be concerned?
Lisa says
I go by smell, but that is just my own personal experience. If the smell is pleasant, I trust it. But again that is just me.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Lonnie Pickett says
MINE IS OVER A YEAR? WHEN I CRACK THE EGG THERE IS NO Bad SMEll BUT THE EGG FALLS APART IN THE PAN . SHOULD I TRY TO COOK THEM?
Lisa says
I go by smell, but that is just my own personal experience. If the smell is pleasant, I trust it. But again that is just me.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Christi Lowe says
Can I open a jar to add more eggs as I go?
Lisa says
Yes, I believe you can add more eggs.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Cathie says
What is the bloom? I have always bought eggs form the grocery store and I now have access to fresh eggs from a family member who has hens. What is the bloom, what am I looking for? Is there a picture someone can share? Also, how long are the eggs good for once I have opened the jar. It’s just my husband and I at home now and I want to know how many to put in each jar so we don’t waste any.
Lisa says
The bloom is an invisible outer protective coating that is on the eggs. Store-bought eggs are washed which removes the bloom. Once in the lime they should be good for a year. You can just take an egg out as you need them.
Brenda wallace says
Can you take a few out of the jar or wash and put them in the fridge after you open them?
Lisa says
Yes.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Dennis James Miller says
How often do you turn jars
Lisa says
I’m not exactly sure what you mean by turn jars. Could you explain?
Cherrie Potter says
Hello I am wondering if I can glass the eggs that have been stored in the refrigerator?? And do I need to keep them all outside cool till I can do the whe jar full?.
Lisa says
I wouldn’t use refrigerated eggs. Because when they come to room temperature, they may produce condensation and compromise the bloom.
Debbie M says
I need clarification on air tight lids. Lids do not seal without processing. Using a canning lid and ring won’t make it air tight.
Lisa says
Those will work.
Margaret Rex says
qhat happens if you use to much lime
Lisa says
I’m not sure. Sorry.
Melissa Hankla says
Can I feed water glassed eggshells, after using the egg, be fed to my chickens as a calcium supplement or should they not ingest them because of traces of lime?
Lisa says
I wouldn’t feed it to them because of the lime.
Brenda says
I have been waiting for my buckets to arrive and they’re finally here. I’ve been saving eggs for about 3 weeks (maybe longer). When I’ve cooked with them they were still good. Do you think I can still water glass them?
Lisa says
You want to use very fresh eggs. I probably wouldn’t use eggs that are that old.
Jackie Rogers’s says
Once you seal the jar… can you open and take only some of the eggs and then reseal? Thank yoi
Lisa says
Yes. Take out as many as you need. Rinse those and use them.
Kristina says
Hello,
This is is my first time water glassing. I am using 68 oz jars I found and I did the 4 cups to 1oz pickling lime. My question is do I fill the jar all the way up? If I leave it the eggs are covered but I didn’t know if I should fill the gap in the jar?
Lisa says
It is better to fill it all the way up to prevent oxygen from getting in the jar.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Michael says
Can you use a bucket and continue to add solution and eggs to the bucket over time? I can’t store a lot of single jars but I could do a 5 gallon bucket though it would take me time to fill it. I probably have an excess dozen each week. I’m picturing mixing up solution in a separate container, adding it to the bucket, and then adding the next batch of eggs, continuing until the bucket is full.
Lisa says
Yes you can add egg over time. A 5 gallon bucket would work, the only word of caution is that if you fill up a 5 gallon bucket if one egg breaks it could spoil all those eggs. Which is why I usually use something smaller like a gallon or half gallon jar.
Jeannine Maxwell says
Hi, I’ve recently started water glassing some of my chicken’s eggs. I have a rooster, therefore most of these eggs will be fertilized. As much as I want water glassing to work for us, it sounds like a bad idea to use fertilized eggs. But nowhere have I seen any warnings not to. What are your thoughts?
Lisa says
Hmm I don’t know for sure, but it seems like it could be a bad idea.
Heather says
Is it safe to reuse lyme water or do you have to start fresh each time?
Lisa says
I recommend starting with fresh lime solution.
monica says
Hi,I live in a hot humid tropical climate hawaii? Will I be able to store the eggs at room temp safely in this type of climate?
Lisa says
You don’t want it to get too hot. Ideally, a cool, dark place is best.
Pam Burley says
I am going to try my first waterglassing of farm fresh eggs. I am getting them from someone in the community but I notice that many of them have dried ‘stuff’ on them (feces? and grass). Is there a way to clean them (they are dry) before water glassing?
Lisa says
Unfortunately no. They must be perfectly clean without washing. You don’t any poop on them at all in order to water glass safely.
Pam Burley says
Is there a way to clean them after they are dry with stuff on them?
Dian Tomlinson says
Can you use plastic jars for the eggs. I have several that I’ve been saving
Lisa says
I personally have only used half gallon glass jars.You can also use airtight food grade buckets.
LEXIE says
Can you reuse the lime water for a new batch of eggs? And if not, how do you safely discard such a high alkaline solution? Thank you!
Lisa says
I’d start with a new solution each time.
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal opinion based on my own experiences. Please use your own judgement for your specific circumstance when deciding if any food is safe to consume.
Cassie says
So I made the HUGE mistake of washing my eggs before I preserved them. I just washed them lightly by hand with water. I’m assuming the bloom is gone though. Is there any use for these now? I have almost 100 eggs that I preserved and would like to use for something if possible. Is there a way to see if they’re any good without opening the jars?