During the pandemic years, freeze-dried and dehydrated eggs were hard to source. People were stocking up, especially at the tail end, when Avian Flu forced many commercial growers to kill their hens. This led to very high prices. At one point, Augason Farms was over $100 a can on Amazon.
The price for Augason Farms dehydrated eggs has dropped to $58.20 on Amazon for a #10 can.
To give an idea of how many eggs are in the cans, Augason Farms is 72 eggs, so .81 cents an egg.
If you raise hens in season, you will have a lot of eggs to deal with. This is when you process the eggs for long-term food storage. Or, if not, find a local store that sells five dozen eggs at an affordable price and process those.
Now, let’s say you happen to have a freeze-dryer on hand. You can start using those eggs.
If you can source eggs for under .33 cents each, that is a good start. Size doesn’t matter, so pick up what is cheapest – medium and extra large are often less than large due to consumers wanting a standard size.
Eggs from our hens, washed and drying on the counter.
I cover the counter to keep the mess down (cracking eggs is always messy).
Freeze-drying Eggs:
I suggest starting with about ten dozen eggs if using a Large-size freeze-dryer. If eggs are homegrown, wash and let eggs dry. If commercial eggs, proceed.
Crack each egg individually and add to a 4-cup measuring cup. Once full, pour into a blender. Run till eggs are mixed, on low. This is an important step – you want to break the whites apart and blend them well.
Pour into molds, then cover molds and let freeze fully.
Once frozen, pop out (using the handle of a wooden spatula across the bottom helps them pop). Either place in gallon freezer bags for later processing or spread out on your freeze-dryer trays. I highly suggest lining the trays with the liners or cutting parchment paper to fit.
The trays are ready for the freeze-dryer. The freeze-dryer is auto-sensing, so turn it on to run the cycle.
Once it says the run is over, with a glove on, poke a few to make sure the interior is fully dry. If any show moisture, put it back on for another six or so hours.
It’s easy to powder the eggs; just add them to a jar, put a lid on, and shake. They drop down into powder quickly.
Pack the eggs into glass mason jars or mylar bags, add an oxygen absorber packet, and seal. For long-term storage, use a vacuum sealer as well.
To rehydrate: Start with 2 Tablespoons dry egg powder and add 2 Tablespoons cool water; stir to blend. Add up to another Tablespoon of water (for three total) to thin as needed. Use as you would fresh eggs for scrambling or in baked goods.
~Sarah