How to Store Your Quail Eggs for Freshness
Fresh quail eggs can be stored numerous way. Learn all about the best method for storing quail eggs for freshness!
Raising coturnix quail has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our homestead. They are a wonderful source of both meat and eggs for our family.
Since our eggs are fresh from the backyard, we don’t have the benefit of a “best by” date being stamped on the egg carton. That means we have to calculate how long our eggs are good for on our own.
The expiration date of your quail eggs depends on how you choose to store them. Some methods are short term, while others long term.
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Different Storage Options for Quail Eggs
The most popular methods for storing quail eggs are:
- Unwashed, at Room Temp
- Unwashed, in Fridge
- Washed, in Fridge
- Water Glassed
- Pickled
- Boiled
Read on to find out a little more about each of these options, as well as some of my must have quail egg supplies!
Should I Wash My Quail Eggs?
When it comes to storing fresh eggs for eating, it is best not to wash them. This is because quail eggs have a natural protective bloom that covers the egg. The bloom is a clear layer that is applied by the hen’s body prior to the egg being laid.
Even though an eggshell looks solid, it is in fact porous. The bloom coats the egg, filling in the pores, and reducing the risk of bacteria entering the egg and reduces moisture loss from inside the egg.
This protective bloom helps keep your eggs fresh longer and allows them to be stored at room temperature.
Occasionally, if an egg is really dirty, you may want to wash it before storing. If this is done, the egg should go into the refrigerator for storage.
Storing Fresh Quail Eggs at Room Temperature
If you’re choosing to store your unwashed quail eggs at room temperature, you can expect them to remain fresh for about 2 weeks. Only unwashed eggs should be stored at room temp.
I’ve noticed that after the 2-week mark, the eggs start to get watery, which is a sign of aging. While the eggs may still be safe to consume at this point, they have definitely lost some of their freshness.
This amount of time the eggs stay fresh at room temperature is also affected by the temperature of your house. If you have a nice cool house, the eggs may store for a bit longer at room temp.
When we have an abundance of eggs that I know we won’t be able to consume in the next couple of weeks, I’ll start storing them in the fridge.
Be sure to grab some of these tiny egg cartons for your quail eggs. They are wonderful for storage our Coturnix Quail Eggs on the counter and in the fridge!
How Long Do Fresh Quail Eggs Last in the Fridge
Unwashed quail eggs will remain fresh in the fridge for about 3 months. Washed eggs last about 6 weeks in the fridge.
Storage time for washed eggs is less than storage time for unwashed eggs. This is because the protective bloom has been removed.
When storing any eggs long term, it is important that you know how to check for the signs of a spoiled egg.
If the egg smells off when you crack it, or it is cloudy or off color, it shouldn’t be consumed.
Speaking of cracking quail eggs – these quail egg scissors are the absolute best. If you’ve ever tried to crack a quail egg like a chicken egg, you know it can get messy. These little scissors cut off the end of the egg so you can dump out the contents without crushing the shell!
How Long do Water Glassed Quail Eggs Last
Water glassed quail eggs can last up to 12 months. This is an excellent way to put eggs away for the cold months when your quail may slow down laying.
Personally, I’ve never stored eggs using the water glassed method over 8 months. We always end up needing the eggs before it gets any further.
The process is very simple. A solution of water and pickling lime is mixed together in a large container with a lid. The eggs are them submerged in the liquid for long term storage.
Only fresh, unblemished, unwashed eggs, less than 24 hours old should be added to a water glassed solution.
Do you want to start raising your own quail at home? Check out my beginners guide to at home quail raising!
Pickled Quail Eggs for Storage
Home pickled quail eggs, that are stored in the fridge, will have the best quality if consumed in 4 months.
I highly recommend grabbing some of these plastic lids to put on your mason jars. The metal rings and lids tend to rust after being stored for long periods.
Of course, pickled eggs are a different storage method all together since the eggs are first boiled and peeled. If you’re wanting to store raw eggs long term, you’ll need to choose a different storage method.
Aside from just being a storage method for eggs, pickled quail eggs make an absolutely delicious snack. I have several recipes here on this blog for “non-traditional” pickled eggs.
If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at pickling eggs check out Hot & Spicy Pickled Quail Eggs Recipe, 10 Easy Recipes for Pickled Eggs without Pickling Spice and Easy Spicy Pickled Quail Egg Recipe for Beginners!
How Long do Boiled Quail Eggs Last
Unpeeled, boiled quail eggs will last about a week in the fridge. This method is clearly not good for storing large amounts of eggs since they aren’t fresh for very long.
Be sure to check out this post on How to Boil and Peel Quail Eggs before you jump into this job.
However, if you have some eggs nearing the end of their shelf life, boiling them can give you a few more days to eat them!
