How to Waterglass Eggs in 2 Simple Steps
Learn how to preserve your own eggs through waterglassing with our straightforward guide, requiring just two simple steps and two ingredients. When your chickens slow down their laying in winter, this method ensures you have a steady supply of fresh eggs throughout the season. By immersing clean, unwashed eggs in a water glassing solution composed of water and calcium lime, you can store them in mason jars or buckets for months without refrigeration. Maintain a sustainable pantry, and enjoy farm-fresh eggs year-round, straight from your own homestead.
History of Waterglass Eggs
Jump to RecipeWaterglassing eggs is a centuries-old preservation method that has been practiced for generations by homemakers and farmers around the world. Its origins can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries when refrigeration was not readily available, and people needed reliable ways to preserve perishable foods, including eggs. The technique of how to waterglass eggs became especially popular in rural communities where hens laid more eggs during the spring and summer, leading to a surplus that needed to be stored for the leaner winter months.
Before the advent of modern refrigeration, waterglassing provided a simple and effective solution to prolong the shelf life of eggs without the need for electricity or complex equipment. The practice was widely used by homesteaders, pioneers, and rural families who relied on the bounty of their backyard flocks to sustain them throughout the year. Farmers would often gather eggs in abundance during peak laying seasons, preserving them in large containers or crocks filled with the water glass solution.
As time went on and modern refrigeration became more accessible, the need for waterglassing declined in favor of more convenient storage methods. However, the practice of how to waterglass eggs has not been forgotten, and many homesteaders, preppers, and traditional food enthusiasts continue to use water glassing as a time-honored way to preserve fresh eggs and maintain their self-sufficiency.
Today, with a renewed interest in sustainable living and a desire to connect with traditional preservation methods, waterglassing has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Homesteaders and backyard farmers appreciate its simplicity, effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature, making it a valuable skill in their self-reliant endeavors. The enduring practice of waterglassing eggs serves as a reminder of our ancestors’ ingenuity and resourcefulness, offering a glimpse into the rich history of preserving food for future generations to enjoy.
Below I’ll give you the 2 simple steps for how to waterglass eggs in video and printable recipe form!
How to Waterglass Eggs
Equipment
- 1 Container (We use a 5 gallon bucket and keep filling it, but some people prefer a smaller container, like a 1/2 gallon mason jar or recycled ice cream bucket.)
- 1 Kitchen Scale
Materials
- 1 Quart Water (Do not use treated water. Chlorinated water is not good for this preservation method.)
- 1 Ounce Calcium Lime (You may also find this under the name of hydrated lime or pickling lime.)
Instructions
- Select only clean freshly laid eggs. Eggs should be free of dirt or chicken poo.
- Fill your container with 1 quart (by volume) of water and 1oz (by weight) of calcium lime. Add eggs to container. You can add eggs over several days. I start a 5 gallon bucket and fill it for weeks.
