Do Fresh Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?

One of the most common questions we hear at Credo Farms is:

“Do your pasture-raised eggs need to be refrigerated?”

Fresh pasture-raised eggs from Credo Farms, available for pickup and delivery throughout Southeast Louisiana.

The short answer is this:

The FDA recommends refrigerating all eggs.

That’s the simplest and safest recommendation, especially for families who may not know exactly how the eggs were handled before they reached their kitchen.

However, there is a reason this question continues to come up.

Why Some Fresh Eggs Can Be Stored Without Refrigeration

Every egg is laid with a natural protective coating called the bloom. This invisible layer helps seal the shell and protect the egg from moisture loss and outside contamination.

If an egg has an intact bloom and no cracks, it can remain stable for a surprisingly long time when stored in a cool environment.

In fact, before refrigeration became common, families stored eggs in kitchens, pantries, and root cellars for generations.

Many countries around the world still sell eggs unrefrigerated today.

The reason is simple: a clean egg with its bloom intact already has a remarkable natural layer of protection.

Our Rule at Credo Farms

When it comes to our own pasture-raised eggs, we follow a simple rule:

If an egg has any crack at all—even a tiny hairline crack—it belongs in the refrigerator.

A cracked shell can allow moisture and bacteria to move through the egg much more easily. Those eggs should be refrigerated and used promptly.

For eggs with clean, intact shells, many people choose to keep them on the counter for short periods, particularly in cooler environments.

That said, refrigeration remains the FDA recommendation and is the approach we recommend for most customers.

Louisiana Heat Changes the Conversation

One important thing to remember is that Louisiana is hot.

A farmhouse in Vermont is different from a kitchen in New Orleans during August.

Heat and humidity can shorten the shelf life of any food, including eggs.

That’s one reason many Louisiana families choose to refrigerate their eggs, even when they are fresh from the farm.

If you’re unsure, refrigeration is always the safest choice.

Why Fresh Pasture-Raised Eggs Are Different

Whether refrigerated or not, one thing many customers notice immediately is how differently fresh pasture-raised eggs cook.

The yolks stand taller.

The whites stay together.

The flavor is richer.

Fresh eggs from healthy hens raised on pasture simply perform differently in the kitchen.

At Credo Farms, our hens spend their days outdoors on grass where they can forage, scratch, hunt bugs, and enjoy sunshine. The result is nutrient-dense eggs that are enjoyed by families, chefs, restaurants, and grocery stores throughout New Orleans, Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, Metairie, and Southeast Louisiana.

Customers searching for pasture-raised eggs near New Orleans, farm fresh eggs in Louisiana, or local eggs delivered often discover that freshness makes a tremendous difference in both flavor and cooking performance.

Where to Buy Pasture-Raised Eggs Near New Orleans

Credo Farms offers pasture-raised eggs with convenient pickup and delivery options throughout Southeast Louisiana.

Learn more about our farm:

https://CredoFarms.com

Order pasture-raised eggs online:

https://credofarms.com/product/pasture-raised-eggs/

Whether you’re feeding your family, stocking your refrigerator, or preparing meals for guests, fresh pasture-raised eggs are one of the simplest ways to bring better food into your kitchen.

From our family to yours, thank you for supporting local farms and choosing real food.