How to Water Glass Eggs: Preserve Fresh Eggs the Old-Fashioned Way
Learn how to water glass eggs the old-fashioned way so you can preserve your farm fresh eggs for up to a year without refrigeration.
Our hens are laying like crazy right now, and while I’m so thankful for the abundance, it can get a little overwhelming when eggs are taking over every counter, basket, and bowl in the kitchen. When I reached that point, I knew it was time to put some away for the slower season—and one of the best ways I’ve found is learning how to water glass eggs.
Water glassing is an old-fashioned method for preserving fresh, unwashed eggs without refrigeration. It’s simple, frugal, and incredibly effective. If you’re looking for a way to make spring and summer’s abundance last into fall and winter, this is for you.
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What Is Water Glassing?
Water glassing is a traditional method used by homemakers and farmers for generations to store eggs long-term. It involves submerging clean, unwashed eggs in a solution of pickling lime and water, creating a seal that keeps bacteria out and freshness in. When stored properly, water glassed eggs can last up to a year or more without spoiling.
This is one of those homemaking skills that makes me feel deeply connected to the women who came before us. It’s simple, practical, and gives me peace of mind knowing we’ll have eggs on hand even when our hens slow down.
Supplies You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll only need a few things:
- Fresh, unwashed eggs (they must have the bloom intact—don’t wash them!)
- Pickling lime (also called hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide)
- Filtered or distilled water
- A wide-mouth glass jar, ceramic crock, or food-grade plastic bucket
- A spoon or scale to measure the lime
I use 2.5 tablespoons of pickling lime per quart of water. Stir until it dissolves completely—the solution will look milky, which is exactly what you want.
How to Water Glass Eggs (Step-by-Step)
- Make sure your eggs are unwashed and clean
Gently wipe off any debris with a dry cloth. If they’re dirty or cracked, don’t use them. - Mix your solution
Combine 1 quart of filtered water with 2.5 tablespoons of pickling lime. Stir well. - Add your eggs
Gently place eggs, pointy end down, into the container. Be careful not to crack them. - Cover and store
Use a lid that allows some airflow or a clean cloth. Label the container with the date. Store in a cool, dark place like a pantry, cellar, or basement.
What to Expect and How to Use Water Glassed Eggs
When you’re ready to use your water glassed eggs, rinse them well before cracking. You can use them just like fresh eggs for baking, scrambling, and even frying (though the whites can be a little runny). They work beautifully in recipes, and I’ve even used them to make deviled eggs and quiche.
These preserved eggs work beautifully in baking, scrambling, and even frying. I love using them in simple, high-protein meals like my Easy Skillet Breakfast Hash, or in cozy from-scratch favorites like these Old-Fashioned Puffy Pancakes.
I’ve learned how to water glass eggs by trial and error, and if there’s one tip I’d give, it’s to start small with a jar and see how it fits into your rhythm. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
Can You Hard Boil or Fry Water Glassed Eggs?
Yes—but there are a few things to know. Hard boiling can be tricky because super fresh (or preserved) eggs often don’t peel well. I recommend steaming them for 12–13 minutes and then placing them in an ice bath to help with peeling.
You can fry them, though the whites may spread more. They’re perfect for scrambled eggs, French toast, and baking recipes where looks don’t matter as much as flavor.
Watch My Video: Step-by-Step Tutorial
If you’re a visual learner like me, I recorded a simple video that walks you through how to water glass eggs from start to finish—right from my farmhouse kitchen.
Watch here:
Grab the Free Printable Guide
To make this process even easier, I’ve created a printable guide with step-by-step instructions, measurement conversions, and a place to record your storage date. You can keep it in your homesteading binder or tape it right to your jar.
🆓[Download your free guide here]⬅️
Final Thoughts
Learning how to water glass eggs is just one more way I’m leaning into a simpler, slower, more self-sufficient life. It’s not fancy, it doesn’t require anything modern or expensive, and it works. If you’re swimming in eggs right now and want a peaceful plan to make them last, this is it.
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it works for you. And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments or come visit me over on YouTube. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned along the way.
