The Bloom Factor: If they’re relatively clean, remember that the natural “bloom” (the protective coating) keeps them fresh on the counter for quite a while. No need to refrigerate right away unless you’ve already washed them.
The Water Test: If you ever lose track of which eggs are the newest, the “float test” is your best friend. A fresh egg stays at the bottom of a bowl of water, while an older one will start to tip or float.
Easy-Peel Secret: Since backyard eggs are so fresh, they can be notoriously hard to peel when hard-boiled. Steaming them for about 12 minutes instead of boiling can make a huge difference in getting that shell to slide right off.
