Do you want to store your eggs for future use without taking up too much space? Learn how to dehydrate eggs using one of these simple methods.
Dehydrating eggs lets you conveniently store them for future use. Whether you're an avid camper, a prepper, or simply looking for a practical way to preserve them, dehydrating eggs makes good sense.
How to Dehydrate Eggs
From using a food dehydrator to utilizing your oven or even the sun's natural heat, we'll explore various methods that will result in lightweight, shelf-stable powdered eggs.
Dehydrating Cooked Eggs
Dehydrating cooked eggs is a safe way to extend their shelf life and provides a convenient ingredient when needed.
First, break eggs and start by scrambling or hard-boiling your eggs, ensuring they are fully cooked.
Let the eggs cool completely before proceeding.
Next, carefully peel the eggs and slice them into thin, even pieces.
Arrange the egg slices on dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap.
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, around 135°F (57°C), and let it run for approximately 5 to 6 hours or until the eggs are dehydrated and brittle.
Remove the egg slices from the dehydrator and let them cool down.
Finally, store the dehydrated eggs in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag, and keep them in a cool, dry place for long-lasting freshness.
Use these dehydrated cooked eggs for backpacking breakfasts, camping adventures, or simply as a convenient addition to your prepper pantry.
Dehydrating Raw Eggs
Dehydrating raw eggs preserves their freshness and versatility for future use.
Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them until well-mixed.
Add one teaspoon of salt for every four eggs to help preserve the eggs during dehydration.
Next, pour the egg mixture onto a lined dehydrator tray, spreading it evenly and thinly. Use fruit leather sheets if you have them. Otherwise, try parchment paper.
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, around 135°F (57°C), and let it run for approximately 6 to 8 hours or until the eggs are completely dry and crumbly.
Once dehydrated, carefully remove the dried egg sheet from the tray and allow it to cool down.
Finally, break the dried egg sheet into small pieces or grind it into a powder using a blender or food processor.
Store the dehydrated raw eggs in airtight containers like glass jars or a vacuum-sealed bag for best results.
For a longer shelf life, keep them in a cool, dry place for long-lasting freshness.
Why Dehydrate Eggs
Mastering egg dehydration can be a good way to build up your food stores when you have a large number of eggs from busy hens.
Dehydrating and making powdered eggs have gained popularity among people interested in prepping, self-reliance and sustainability in their food practices.
Particularly appealing to homesteaders and off-grid enthusiasts, egg dehydration offers a practical approach to preserving your egg supply for long term storage in the face of food shortages and rising prices.
Depending on moisture levels, dehydrated eggs are stored at room temperature for up to a month - an impressive feat compared with standard grocery store eggs. With proper storage conditions in a dry place, they could even last up to a year.
Dehydrated eggs are also convenient for meal prep when camping or cooking in an off-grid kitchen. Powdered eggs save time while providing nutritious meals like scrambled eggs or baked goods.
This preservation technique also proves beneficial if you own backyard chickens laying a lot of eggs, more than your family can eat before they spoil.
Drying out raw or hard-boiled chicken eggs, storing them properly, and using them for baking or cooking helps your family secure your food supplywhile minimizing waste; key factors for living more independently.
Nutritional Value vs Texture Change
According to recent research, a rehydrated egg keeps most of its nutritional elements.
Essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals are preserved in dried eggs, making them nutritious even when fresh ones aren't readily available.
On the flip side, though, there's a definite change in texture after drying. The end product may feel grainy, which you might find less appealing than regular fresh or cooked eggs.
Safety
Preserving eggs for long-term use by dehydrating them is pretty simple, using either food dehydrator methods or alternatives like oven-drying.
However, there are potential risks associated with handling raw eggs due to safety concerns around salmonella contamination. Follow safe food practices when it comes to making powdered or dehydrated eggs.
An area where opinions vary significantly pertains to how long it takes to dehydrate an egg properly. Some suggest a short time, whereas others advise longer dehydration times based on factors such as a humid climate and temperature setting throughout the dehydration process.
How to Store Dehydrated Eggs
As with any preserved food item, keeping them dry is key. You'll find various ways to store your eggs for a long shelf life.
The ideal storage containers are air-tight jars or vacuum-sealed bags. These will protect your egg supply from moisture, which could potentially lead to spoilage.
For optimal preservation conditions, your chosen container should be kept cool and out of direct sunlight.
If living off the grid has limited your options for such spaces, an underground cache or dry root cellar can provide a stable temperature environment year-round.
Oxygen Absorbers and Powdered Eggs
Adding oxygen absorbers or a moisture absorber when storing dehydrated foods significantly extends their shelf life by preventing oxidation.
Oxidation leads to rancidity and reduces food's nutritional value over time. Visit the USA Emergency Supply for more information.
Mylar Bags
Mylar bags offer another effective solution for long-term storage of dehydrated raw eggs.
These bags offer light-blocking properties and superior resistance against humidity compared with standard plastic bags.
However, remember mylar bag corners have a potential puncture risk compared to vacuum seal bags. So handle them carefully during packaging.
Limited Handling And Light Exposure
As with any of your long term food stores, avoid frequently handling your powdered eggs once they're packaged. Each opening introduces unwanted humidity risking faster degradation.
Also, keep these treasures away from bright lights since UV rays degrade nutrients within, making them less beneficial health-wise over time.
Buying vs. Making Your Own
Should you buy powdered eggs? Well now, that depends on your particular situation.
Consider cost, safety, and time when deciding between buying or making your own dehydrated eggs.
True, buying dehydrated egg products is convenient.
It lets you skip drying out raw eggs at home and gives you a safe and even product. This is because they're treated to kill any germs, so they're safe to eat.
However, buying these products can be expensive compared to creating your own at home. Especially if you're blessed with an ongoing supply of fresh eggs from backyard chickens.
Also, homemade powdered eggs often taste a whole better and the texture is better than storebought dehydrated eggs too. This is because you control how long they dry out and how finely they're ground into powder form.
More Advantages
Another advantage of making your own dried eggs is that you can customize them according to your dietary needs or preference.
For example, some people may choose only to dehydrate egg whites due to their lower fat content. Others could prefer whole egg dehydration or even just using egg yolks.
Dehydrating or drying eggs lets you save your own eggs for long term use. Just remember to follow safe food handling instructions to limit the chances of salmonella during the process.
Investing in a basic food dehydrator, mylar bags and oxygen absorbers are good options if you plan to dehydrate your eggs regularly.
How to Dehydrate Eggs FAQs
Do dehydrated eggs need an oxygen absorber?
Not necessarily, but adding an oxygen absorber to the storage container can extend the shelf life of dehydrated eggs by preventing oxidation.
How do you dry eggs at home?
Dry scrambled raw or hard-boiled eggs at home using either a food dehydrator or your oven. The dried-out egg is then ground into powder for long-term storage. A coffee grinder works well for this.
How do you store dehydrated eggs long term?
To store dehydrated eggs long term, keep them in an airtight container with an oxygen absorber and place them in a cool, dark location away from moisture and heat sources.
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How to Dehydrate Eggs
Learn how to dehydrate eggs at home to make powdered eggs for camping, hiking, or to stock your pantry.
Materials
- 36 eggs
- salt
- baking sheet
- silicone mat
- spatula
- mason jar
- oxygen absorbers (optional)
- mylar bag (optional)
Tools
- oven or food dehydrator
- coffee grinder or blender
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or dehdyrator to its lowest setting, no higher than 165 and not lower than 160 to be sure that there is no risk of salmonella forming during the long process.
- Line the baking sheet with a Silpat or other silicone mat.
- Crack eggs into a large bowl and whisk until well beaten.
- Pour a thin layer of eggs onto each pan. I usually get about a dozen eggs in one average size pan.
- Place in the oven and dry for 6-12 hours. Scrape and stir the eggs on the pan occasionally. The time it takes to dry eggs will depend on the temperature of your oven.
- Remove eggs from the oven and use a straight edge spatula to scrape them off the pan, breaking them up into smaller pieces, if you use a silpat mat this will be much easier.
- Place egg pieces into a food processor or blender in small batches, and blend on high until you get crumbs or a fine powder, whichever you prefer.
- Transfer to an airtight container like a jar with a lid. Screw-on plastic lids are great for dry food storage in mason jars if you plan to use the eggs within the month.
Notes
To rehydrate your eggs stir together 1 tablespoon of egg powder and 2 tablespoons of warm water to make the equivalent of 1 fresh egg. You will need to allow the rehydrated eggs to sit for a few minutes to absorb the water.
Sarita Harbour
Hi Theresa - thanks for your comment. You know, I would actually err on the side of caution and not use that jar. Don't want to take a chance on anyone getting sick.
Theresa Gordon
Have a question. I dehydrated some eggs as per directions stored and vacuum sealed in mason jars found one seal popped are the still good ? Can I reseal?
Thank you