Fresh Eggs?

Eggs stay usable for a surprisingly long time. Whether you keep your backyard chicken eggs on the counter or if you prefer to refrigerate them. The best way to tell if an egg is still usable without cracking it open is to put it in a bowl covered with water. If the egg stays at the bottom ‑ scramble it up and enjoy. If it's a floater, it's ready for compost.

Why this works: All eggs have a membrane between the shell and the albumin (the clear, viscous liquid inside). There is no air between the membrane and the shell in a freshly‑laid egg, but as the egg ages, the air pocket inside gets larger and larger due to osmosis through the permeable shell. Once the egg has enough of an air pocket to float, it has definitely passed its prime.

Sort of similar to an Old Wives Tale but told by a rugged poultry farmer: If you hold an egg with the pointy side down and shine a flashlight on the top of the egg, you can see a space between the egg and the shell with older eggs. I've tried this and either it doesn't work or my eggs were all very fresh.

Should you choose to store your eggs in the refrigerator you can prolong their life by using the egg carton you purchased them in. Using the cute little egg holders that come in some refrigerator doors is counter productive if your refrigerator door is continuously opening and closing.

Fortunately, during farmers market season (and if you are a member of a community supported agriculture program) you are in a position to purchase eggs which are almost guaranteed to be sold the same day they are laid.