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The Ultimate Guide to Water Glassing Eggs from Backyard Chickens

Our Kitchen· Preserving

8 Sep
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Keeping backyard chickens has become a popular hobby for many Australians, providing not only a sustainable source of eggs but also companionship and joy. As chicken owners, we often seek methods to preserve the freshness of our eggs, especially during the peak laying season. One effective technique is called water glassing, which can keep your eggs usable for months. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what water glassing is, how to do it properly, and resources for sourcing the lime essential for this preservation method in Australia.

What is Water Glassing?

Water glassing is a method of preserving fresh eggs by submerging them in a solution of water and sodium silicate—a glass-like compound that creates an environment preventing the growth of bacteria and mold. This technique was widely used during the Great Depression for preserving eggs when refrigeration was not an option. Water glassing is ideal for maintaining the quality of fresh eggs for many months (up to a year or longer), making it especially useful for anyone with a hen’s bounty.

Benefits of Water Glassing Eggs

  1. Longer Shelf Life: When done correctly, water glassing can extend the life of eggs significantly longer than standard refrigeration.
  2. Nutritional Retention: Eggs that are preserved using this method maintain their nutritional value better than those that are hard-boiled or frozen.
  3. Cost-Effective: This process allows chicken keepers to save money by preventing food waste, especially during seasons when their hens are laying prolifically.

Materials Needed for Water Glassing

To successfully water glass your eggs, you will need the following materials:

  1. Fresh Eggs: Ideally, use newly laid eggs (less than a week old), and make sure they are clean and free of cracks.
  1. Sodium Silicate or Hydrated Lime: These are the key ingredients for the preservation process. You can find sodium silicate in liquid form, which is non-toxic and effective. You can find hydrated lime in powder form, but be sure to get food grade.
  2. Water: Use clean, preferably distilled water, to mix with the sodium silicate.
  3. Container: A food-grade, airtight container (like a glass jar or a plastic bucket) that is large enough to hold the eggs and the solution.
  4. Scale or Measuring Tools: For precise measurement of the sodium silicate to water ratio.

Step-by-Step Process for Water Glassing Eggs

Step 1: Prepare the Solution

  1. Measure the Sodium Silicate/Lime: A common ratio for water glassing is 1 part sodium silicate to 10 parts water. For example, if you use 1 cup of sodium silicate, mix it with 10 cups of water. For lime, you should use 30g lime to 1 litre of water.
  2. Mix the Solution: In a large container, mix the sodium silicate/lime with the water until completely dissolved.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

  1. Choose Fresh Eggs: Select eggs that are clean and intact. Avoid any eggs with cracks or blemishes as they are more susceptible to spoilage.
  2. Sort the Eggs: It’s best to use eggs that are the same size and age for consistency in preservation.

Step 3: Submerge the Eggs

  1. Layer the Eggs: Place the eggs into your container carefully, either standing up or laying down, but I find I get the best results by laying the eggs pointy end down.
  2. Pour the Solution: Once all the eggs are in the container, pour the solution over the eggs, ensuring that they are completely covered.
  3. Seal the Container: Close the container tightly to prevent air from entering, which can compromise the preservation process.

Step 4: Store the Eggs

  1. Choose a Storage Location: Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar, with stable temperatures. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or areas that experience temperature fluctuations.
  2. Monitor the Eggs: Check the eggs periodically to ensure they remain submerged in the solution and inspect for any signs of spoilage.

How to Use Water-Glassed Eggs

When you need to use an egg from your water glassing stash:

  1. Rinse the Egg: Rinse the egg gently under cool water to remove any solution residue before cracking.
  2. Crack and Use: Use the egg as you would fresh eggs in your cooking or baking.
  3. Use Within a Reasonable Time: Once removed from the preservation solution, use the egg within a week for the best quality.

Common Myths about Water Glassing Eggs

  1. “You Can Use Any Egg”: While it’s true that some preservation methods can use eggs of varying freshness, for water glassing, you should aim for the freshest eggs possible to ensure the best preservation results.
  2. “Water Glassing is Unsafe”: Sodium silicate and lime are both safe food preservatives, used correctly. It’s essential to use food-grade products and follow the instructions to avoid any health risks.

Where to Buy Sodium Silicate or Lime in Australia

Sodium silicate is accessible via various online and physical retailers in Australia. Here are some trustworthy sources to purchase this essential ingredient:

  1. Big W: Food grade pickling lime – Check out their offerings here.
  2. eBay Australia: Many sellers provide sodium silicate in varying sizes. Search for “sodium silicate” on eBay to find suitable options.
  3. Amazon Australia: You can also find sodium silicate in various forms on Amazon. Here’s a link to browse products available in Australia: Amazon Australia

Final Thoughts

Water glassing is a practical and effective method for preserving fresh eggs from your backyard chickens. With just a few materials and the right technique, you can enjoy your homegrown eggs for months on end, reducing waste and maximizing your chicken-keeping experience.

Whether you’re in the heart of the city or on a rural property, this old-fashioned preservation technique can be a game changer. Not only can you ensure that you and your family benefit from the nutritious bounty of your hens, but you can also take pride in your sustainable food practices. Happy water glassing!

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I was thrilled to receive these pics and feedback I was thrilled to receive these pics and feedback from my very first Sourdough Workshop. I can’t wait for my next one 31/7 at @studio_on_sunshine
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Well it’s in!!! We finally have our gorgeous old Well it’s in!!! We finally have our gorgeous old Metters installed in the kitchen. Here she is, a bit rough looking yes - can’t wait to finish the tiling and the mantle! 
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This sweet girl, drowning in rocket! I think she m This sweet girl, drowning in rocket! I think she may be in chicken paradise 🤤

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These are definitely among the last of the gorgeou These are definitely among the last of the gorgeous tomatoes coming out of our garden this season 😭 Bye home grown tomatoes, next stop Zucchini Relish town! 

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Very excited to have some of my beeswax & sourdoug Very excited to have some of my beeswax & sourdough goodies available at Studio on Sunshine again! ❤️❤️❤️

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Haven’t posted a sourdough for a while! Can’t Haven’t posted a sourdough for a while!  Can’t wait to tuck into this one 🤤🐝🌾

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How gorgeous are these Zucchini flowers? A boy and How gorgeous are these Zucchini flowers? A boy and a girl right next to each other. The bees will find these this morning, *cue Barry White* and a baby zucchini will be along in a few weeks. Ain’t love grand?

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This perennial leek was almost too pretty to pick! This perennial leek was almost too pretty to pick! I just love leek and garlic flowers, it’s worth growing them just for that! They make great additions to the flower garden too!

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We have a few Frankentrees here at the Apiary, but We have a few Frankentrees here at the Apiary, but this new graft is the one I’m most excited about! I have been trying to get Cox’s Orange Pippin scions to take for the last 3 seasons with no luck… 😩 I purchased two scions from @la_petite_pomme_orchard and guess who has a successful graft???? 🙋‍♀️Me!!! I am pathetically excited about this scraggly looking twig!🍎🍎🍎

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I am so in love with my gorgeous copper #fowlersvacola preserver! I gave it a quick strip and polish to clean up the tarnish and OMG 😍😍😍😍😍

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This little apiary was feeling pretty naked today! This little apiary was feeling pretty naked today! I feel very guilty removing any original part of this old beauty 😟 But when the rain starts threatening the pressed metal ceilings, it’s tough decision time. I hope this new roof will protect our home for many, many years to come! One century under her belt, I reckon she can do another century…

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So many swarms this season, the old Bob Ross bee b So many swarms this season, the old Bob Ross bee box has been put to work! 🐝

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That’s it ladies, in you go 🐝🐝🐝 #beeke That’s it ladies, in you go 🐝🐝🐝

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