Water Glassing Eggs

Water glassing eggs is an easy and economical way to preserve all those extra eggs that chickens lay in the spring and summer. We are using this method for our own eggs this year so that we don’t make the same mistakes as last.

Last winter we found ourselves in a predicament. Our hens had laid more eggs than we could handle all summer long, but as the days got colder and shorter, they suddenly slacked off. As new chicken owners, we hadn’t considered the fact that our hens would stop laying during the coldest months. I had not saved any of our summer eggs. When we had too many, we would give them away.

With a little self-loathing, I found myself buying eggs at the grocery store. Although I only had to do this a couple of times, I still beat myself up every time I had to purchase eggs that my hens had provided in abundance. This year, I decided to prepare. While we have a new flock that should start laying in a couple of months, they still won’t provide the amount of eggs we usually consume.

We considered freezing some of our eggs, but we use them in so many different ways, I started researching other ways to preserve them. I came across articles for water glassing eggs. I had heard of it before, and I knew it was a common method used by many homesteaders. However, I was admittedly weary of it because it seemed too good to be true.

How can something as simple as pickling lime preserve my eggs for a whole year? But it is true! And it is so simple and economical, I would be crazy not to try it. So that is what I did in the hopes that we can have eggs that taste fresh all winter long.

So what is water glassing eggs?

Water glassing eggs has been used since the 1800’s. It allows you to preserve your eggs whole. Meaning just like the day they were laid, shell and all. It works because the pickling lime seals the bloom making your eggs last up to 18 months! The best part is, you only need three things to preserve your eggs using the water glassing method.

What eggs can be preserved using the water glassing method?

The only eggs that can be used for water glassing are clean, unwashed eggs. That means you cannot use eggs from the store. You also don’t want to use dirty eggs with any poop on them. I check the coop twice a day and this helps ensure clean eggs, perfect for this method.

What do I need to water glass eggs?

Only three things are needed to preserve your eggs using this method. You will need pickling lime (calcium hydroxide), a bucket or half gallon glass jar and water.

You can find pickling lime in your grocery store on the same isle that you buy all your canning jars. I used Mrs. Wages. Whether you use a five-gallon bucket or half gallon jar all depends on the amount of eggs you have to preserve. I am using half gallon jars and preserving the eggs as I get them.

The water you use is important. You cannot use water with chlorine or fluoride. Either use filtered water, de-chlorinated water or well water. Luckily we have a well and that is the water I used.

It is handy to have a kitchen scale to measure out the pickling lime. You will use 1 oz. of pickling lime per one quart of water. To give you a better idea, I only needed one quart of water for one half gallon jar.

Steps to water glassing eggs:

1. Pick out clean, unwashed eggs. There should not be any dirt or poop on them.
2. Measure out 1 quart of water and 1 oz. of pickling lime for a half gallon jar or 5 oz. pickling lime and 5 quarts of water for a five-gallon bucket.
3. Place your pickling lime and water in your container and mix them.
4. Gently place your eggs in the jar one at a time until it is filled up (while still being covered with water).
5. Place the top on your container and gently move to a cool dark location where it will not be moved or bumped.

How long will my eggs last?

Your eggs should last from one year up to 18 months using this method.

How do I use my eggs when I remove them from the container?

Rinse your eggs well and use just like you would any fresh egg!

How do I know my eggs are still good?

Try using the float test. Place the eggs you want to use in a bowl of water. If it sinks it is still good to use. If it floats it is no good. I still use the eggs when they stand on their end, but do this at your own discretion.

Can I take the eggs out as I need them?

Yes! You can also place more clean, fresh eggs into the container with the mixture as you get them. Just be sure to label the date that you originally started so as not to risk using them at too late of a date.

I hope that this tutorial helps you in preserving your eggs. Any chicken keeper knows that the eggs laid by their chickens are so much better than anything you can buy from the store. Now that I know how to preserve them, I’ll make sure that I don’t have to buy any this winter therefore making our homestead a little more self-sustaining.

If you’re interested in raising your own chickens, check out my guide to raising backyard chickens here!