Fresh Eggs On The Trail

[zelph]

As some of you know, I like stoves.

I like eggs, like I like stoves.

I want to make fresh eggs on the trail.

I currently use this one egg poacher to make my morning breakfast. I poach one egg and serve it on one piece of toast.

I've found several ways of treating eggs on the WWW to keep them usable and safe. This spring I'll be taking fresh eggs with me on the trails to have for breakfast.

Here are some photos of the poacher. It's light weight, only requires 1/2 inch of water in the pot to make it work. Total capacity of water for the pot is 1 cup. Hiking solo may only require 1 cup of water at a time to be used for many of you.

egg poacher (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg001.jpg)

ready to cook (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg002.jpg)

egg is done sunny side up (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg003.jpg)

ready to be consumed (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg004.jpg)

egg and toast is gone (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg005.jpg)

like em scrambled (before) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg006.jpg)

like em scrambled (after) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg007.jpg)

with catsup (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg008.jpg):)

all thats left (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg005.jpg)

[Rain Man]

Have any of you taken fresh eggs with you when on the trails?

Yes, I have. There are already at least two threads on this topic here on WhiteBlaze. A search will probably find them quickly for you, if you're after information on taking fresh eggs.

Nice photos. :)

Rain:sunMan

.

[Skidsteer]

On a related note, I have often seen that particular egg poacher and similar versions in thrift stores for as low as .25.

The lid will perfectly fit a Snowpeak Mini-Solo pot and weighs @ .15 oz. less than the titanium SP lid. It actually fits better, IMO.

[Skidsteer]

Now I'm wondering if the poached egg holder part would work in the SP Mini-Solo?

Does the distance from top of water to bottom of egg make a lot of difference? Anybody know? I may have to try it...

[zelph]

Yes, I have. There are already at least two threads on this topic here on WhiteBlaze. A search will probably find them quickly for you, if you're after information on taking fresh eggs.

Nice photos. :)

Rain:sunMan

.

Thanks Rain :sun Man, I searched for awhile but no one described how they prepared them other than hardboiled. I wanted to show the poacher and see if anyone else would have used it. Next week I'll have some photos showing how I modified a poacher to a one cup coffee percolator. Kinda merge the two together to show how one utensil could be used multi pupose.




Does the distance from top of water to bottom of egg make a lot of difference? Anybody know? I may have to try it...

Skids, It does'nt make any difference, just get it to steamin.

[Wolf - 23000]

I taken eggs out on the trail with out any problems other then some very scarely looks from other thru-hikers.

Before leaving town crack them open open into a wide mouth 1 litter soda bottle. At camp cook them up just as you would at home. They will last several days.

Wolf

[Footslogger]

I've hard-boiled a half dozen eggs during an overnight (re-supply) visit in a town and carried them out on the trail ...with some small salt packets, of course.

'Slogger

[Jim Adams]

I ate fresh eggs the whole way to Fontana but then my chickens got off the leash.

[zelph]

Jim AdamsI ate fresh eggs the whole way to Fontana but then my chickens got off the leash.

When one of mine laid a gold shelled egg is when I got interested in cloning:banana

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

I ate fresh eggs the whole way to Fontana but then my chickens got off the leash.Probably a good thing as you couldn't take the chickens thru the GSMNP.

I have the ti skillet from the Snow Peak solo set. It will hold three eggs. I've been known to poach three eggs using that inside my ancient Coleman aluminum pot (from back when Coleman actually made backpacking gear). I put about 1/2 of water and three pencil-size sticks in the bottom of the pot. Clamp on the lid and heat for 5 minutes - let set for five more in cozy.

BTW, I 'bake' using the same system. The bread steams done so it isn't browned, but it tastes wonderful. Now y'all have done it - I'm wondering if biscuits ad eggs are doable in the same pot.

[zelph]

[quote=Frolicking Dinosaurs;323323]
__________________

BTW, I 'bake' using the same system. The bread steams done so it isn't browned, but it tastes wonderful. Now y'all have done it - I'm wondering if biscuits ad eggs are doable in the same pot.
__________________



Marvelous, that is what I was fishing for, "Steam Baking" ::: Zelph kisses your steamin Biscuits:::

Tell us more!!!!

[RAT]

I "steam bake" in a cooking bag with my bakepacker in a 2 qt billy pot. VERY lightweight all thats needed. Breads, muffins, biscuits, pizza, cornbread, warms leftovers, you name it.Thats a neat lil egg poacher pan that I am sure would fit the top of my billy pot too, may look into that. I have a lil plastic egg carrier that carries 6 eggs, have taken them out for the first 3 or 4 days raw with no problems even in warm weather. Do get some looks but you`re cooking them so how can it be bad eh ? lol It is great for a change of b fast on a long hike but not sure if I would carry the extra weight for an entire thru.

RAT

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

Zelph, I've only done this with 'quick' breads like biscuits, muffins and cornbread. Jiffy mix works well and can be found in most grocery stores during resupplies. Biscuits need to be about 2" to cook correctly. Cornbread takes 20 minutes (10 on the heat and 10 in the cozy), but is so worth it when you are having rehydrated chili. Muffin mix is made like a small cake and the same times as cornbread. Be sure to oil the pan before baking.

Now about cooking eggs and bread in the same pot (different pans inside the pot)... I'm thinking the eggs would need to be on top and something would need to keep them about 1-2" above the bread pan.

[saimyoji]

Yummmm....throw in some cheese grits and bacon....:D

[TDale]

egg poacher/muffin pan?

http://www.thewhitewhale.com/products/norpro-single-egg-poacher.htm

[zelph]

Zelph, I've only done this with 'quick' breads like biscuits, muffins and cornbread. Jiffy mix works well and can be found in most grocery stores during resupplies. Biscuits need to be about 2" to cook correctly. Cornbread takes 20 minutes (10 on the heat and 10 in the cozy), but is so worth it when you are having rehydrated chili. Muffin mix is made like a small cake and the same times as cornbread. Be sure to oil the pan before baking.

Now about cooking eggs and bread in the same pot (different pans inside the pot)... I'm thinking the eggs would need to be on top and something would need to keep them about 1-2" above the bread pan.

Whooo Hoooo, I'm goin to do some poacher bakin tomorrow.

Thank You (eggs and biscuits and bacon, ohh boy!!!)

[BakerMan]

Zelph- I love all your stove work! Thanks for showing us awsome designs, and doing a great job with testing.

One way to make omlets on the trail is in ziplock bags. Crack one or two eggs in a ziplock bag at home or in town. Add a little bit of lemon juice (this seems to keep them from turning green), salt and pepper, and whatever else you like with your omlets. (I like bacon bits, cheese, green pepper, onion and tobasco). A little milk or water will make the eggs fluffier. Ensure that all of the air is out of the ziplock before sealing it.

This step is important. Make sure there is no air in the bag with the eggs. They will keep in mild weather over the weekend if there is no air pressent. Double bag the eggs to make sure they do not leak.

In camp, boil water and toss the ziplock with the eggs into the water. Boil the ziplock for 5 to 10 minutes depending on how done you like your eggs. You usually have to push the ziplock down with your spoon. Take the ziplock out and enjoy!

[jesse]

zelph,
Instead of kethup on those scrambled eggs, how about some Louisianna Hot Sause. Yum! Yum!

[zelph]

No NO JesseBrent. none of that going on myyyyyyyy eggs. Whewwww!!!!

Bakerman, thanks for the thought on stoves and thanks for the omlet method.

Today was test the poacher baker day.

I used the Queen of the Baking World, "Betty Crocker" Bisquick, original all-purpose baking mix. I used the recipe for "dumplings" 2 cups mix and 2/3 cups water. I changed it from milk to water :-? hmmm why is it I'm always modifying somthing.

I'm pleased with the initial results. I've included some photos

I first tried a small aluminum jello mold(Ithink thats what it is) it fit so nice inside the pot. I used too much batter, raised up too high and pushed the lid up, took the lid off and covered it with another pot of the same size to retain heat. It was ready fast. Did not do any timing this time around, too busy baking. Because of the hole in the center, heat was able to bake from inside as well as the outside. I used olive oil to coat the inside of the mold to prevent sticking, worked ok, not bad. This first attempt exceeded my expectations by alot.

Next I used the egg poacher insert(forgot to use olive oil on the inside:o ). I did'nt time the test, was to busy bakin . This method took alot longer to achieve a complete bake through. I used the toothpick stick-it test to determin when it was done. My mouth was watering while waiting for it to get done, thinking of the honey and cinnomon powder that I would soon be consuming. I had already consumed the buscuit-donut without any topping so I knew I had to think of something to perk up the flavor. The finished product did'nt stick as bad as I thought it would to the insert. Made for easy clean-up.

Here are the photos:

First one shows donut hot in the pot. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg009.jpg)

Second shows donut cooling a bit (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg010.jpg)

Third shows biscuit hot in pot with topping applied (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg011.jpg)

Fourth shows cooling with anticipation (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg012.jpg)

Fifth shows texture just about ready to disappear (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg013.jpg)

Sixth shows texture gone (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg014.jpg) :)


Monday I'll post photos of the poacher modified into a 1 cup percolator.







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[zelph]

Here are the photos of the modification.

First one shows water perking up (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/TwiLyte001.jpg)at a water temperature of 180 degrees

Second one a drip (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/TwiLyte004.jpg)shootin up just above perk pipe

Third shows (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/TwiLyte009.jpg) shortend perk pipe and coffee

Fourth shows (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/TwiLyte011.jpg) lid with glass perk top and results of test,It Worked

A combination kitchen utensil

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[weary]

I taken eggs out on the trail with out any problems other then some very scarely looks from other thru-hikers.

Before leaving town crack them open open into a wide mouth 1 litter soda bottle. At camp cook them up just as you would at home. They will last several days.

Wolf
The best containers for eggs are the ones nature provided. Fresh eggs are good for weeks during spring and summer, and even a week or more during the heat of summer. Eggs by nature are designed to withstand the two weeks it takes for a hen to gather enough for a clutch of chicks.

Cracking eggs and placing them in a soda bottle is a terrible solution to cooking eggs on the trail. Place whole eggs with their shells on in a safe place in your pack. I usually use the paper mache carton in which they came from the store, nestled in a zip bag, and sheltered by clothing or, better still, a soft sleeping bag.

If a shell cracks cook it first, but uncracked eggs last a long time before spoiling. Refrigerating eggs in grocery stores is a recent phenomenon. They used to be stacked in open shelves uncooled for many days at a time.

Weary

[Joshrm78]

you can buy one of these if ur scared of egg in ur pack
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47591412&parent_category_rn=5760752&vcat=REI_SEARCH
I used a plastic egg carton i cut so it holds 6 eggs it was from the carton came from i belive egglands best eggs never had a problem

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

::: female dino drooling over Zelph's pics :::

[saimyoji]

::: female dino drooling over Zelph's toes:::

........... :D

[Topcat]

I read it on White Blaze, tried it and it works. Drop eggs in boiling water for about 5 seconds and they stay fresh longer and less likely to break. I do it every trip now.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

::: female dino wacks pervy Saimyoji with tail and then finds to her horror that he likes it ::::

[Grinder]

Sailors grease eggs in the shell to prevent spoilage. They carry them unrefrigerated in the topics. They last up to a month that way. After a month, it becomes a kind of lotto as to whether or not the egg will be bad.

I have also heard of waxing them. (i.e. dip in melted paraffin)

The back packing problem would be how to carry them shock free, so that the shell doesn't break or crush in your pack.

Tom

[weary]

I read it on White Blaze, tried it and it works. Drop eggs in boiling water for about 5 seconds and they stay fresh longer and less likely to break. I do it every trip now.
I've never done a scientific experiment. But it's my belief that eggs will last longer if they are not put into boiling water. Eggs are designed by nature to last without refrigeration for at least two weeks. I strongly suspect that a boiling water bath will decrease time before spoilage, not increase it.

A boiling water bath might decrease breakage by slightly cooking, or at least firming a layer of egg white. But with a bit of care, I've never found breakage to be a serious problem.

Food storage is rarely the problem that modern hikers in the era of refrigeration suspect. Humans stored food for hundreds of thousands of years before inventing ice boxes and then electricity powered refrigeration.

Hikers try many things, which if they don't do major harm, hikers interpret as helping, when in fact they simply don't do much harm.

Eggs have a natural coating that prevents the intrusion of decay-enhancing oxygen. A dunk into boiling water almost certainly damages that coating. I know my grandmother never washed the eggs she sold from a backyard hen house, and always warned her customers not to wash the eggs until just before they were to be used.

At the time I didn't think much of her advice, I mean selling eggs with chicken poop on the shells struck me as a bit gross. But upon reflection it now strikes me as wise.

Weary

[rafe]

Humans stored food for hundreds of thousands of years before inventing ice boxes and then electricity powered refrigeration.

A bit of hyperbole, Weary? First off, our species has existed for, at most, 200,000 years. And recorded history is far shorter than that, maybe eight or ten thousand years. And finally, you don't have a clue what those first humans ate or how they stored their food. Traditionally, meats have been cured with salt and spices, and that's still done and remains somewhat effective, if it's done properly. Fact is germ theory and modern medicine is maybe 300 years old at best, and before that, humans were plumb ignorant about how their bodies worked.

[Fannypack]

A bit of hyperbole, Weary? First off, our species has existed for, at most, 200,000 years. And recorded history is far shorter than that, maybe eight or ten thousand years. And finally, you don't have a clue what those first humans ate or how they stored their food. Traditionally, meats have been cured with salt and spices, and that's still done and remains somewhat effective, if it's done properly. Fact is germ theory and modern medicine is maybe 300 years old at best, and before that, humans were plumb ignorant about how their bodies worked.
if Weary had said "thousands of years", would that have been okay?

[rafe]

if Weary had said "thousands of years", would that have been okay?

Whatever. Just because something's "been done" for long time doesn't mean it's smart or should continue being done. Five hundred years ago humans were still burned at the stake for heresy or apostasy.

[Fannypack]

Whatever. Just because something's "been done" for long time doesn't mean it's smart or should continue being done. Five hundred years ago humans were still burned at the stake for heresy or apostasy.
I read Weary's post (& other posts) as saying that eggs can be taken on the trail for days w/o spoiling (simple as that). I don't read into his post that we shouldn't embrace change. But each to their own opinion. Later.

[rafe]

I read Weary's post (& other posts) as saying that eggs can be taken on the trail for days w/o spoiling (simple as that). I don't read into his post that we shouldn't embrace change. But each to their own opinion. Later.

I don't have any opinion to offer about eating eggs on the trail. I just had to get a word in about Weary's "history" of human dietary habits. I'm not saying he's wrong about the eggs... but his "history" stinks. ;)

[weary]

A bit of hyperbole, Weary? First off, our species has existed for, at most, 200,000 years. And recorded history is far shorter than that, maybe eight or ten thousand years. And finally, you don't have a clue what those first humans ate or how they stored their food. Traditionally, meats have been cured with salt and spices, and that's still done and remains somewhat effective, if it's done properly. Fact is germ theory and modern medicine is maybe 300 years old at best, and before that, humans were plumb ignorant about how their bodies worked.
Somehow, I think the human race matured and prospered because most people figured out how to store their food without massive die offs of their friends, relatives, and neighbors.

I do Know something about the sturdiness of eggs. As a kid and as an adult I watched my four hens go broody from time to time. Because they were mostly "free range" critters, my hens used to hide their eggs from us human critters. From time to time I would find clutches of a dozen or so eggs.

Whenever that happened, I would bring the eggs all back and put them in my refrigerator and eat them one or two at a time until they were all gone. This stragegy worked, summer and winters, so I suspect the same strategy would work on the trail.

For decades I've heard the report that boiling eggs for five seconds makes eggs last longer on a trail. To date I've seen zero evidence that this is so. Since I've yet to hear that anyone got sick from the practice, I suspect it doesn't do much harm.

The evidence is inconclusive about whether it does any good. Since no one has reported to my knowledge that the practice has made anyone sick, I'm willing to concede that the practice is mostly harmless, at least for short term storage of eggs.

Knowing what I do about eggs and hens, I strongly suspect that the practice of boiling eggs for 5 seconds greatly reduces unrefrigerated storage times.

But I certainly await any evidence you may have to the contrary.

Weary

[Gray Blazer]

Eggs will freeze (and I assume they are no good after that). I know from personal experience that those thermal bags they sell at grocers will keep your fresh eggs from freezing.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

My grandmother had free-range chickens and I echo what Weary has said. Eggs are fine out of the fridge for a long time. I've found hidden clutches and eaten them as well. Egg shells have an oily substance on them that keeps air from permeating the shell and is removed by washing - so unwashed eggs last longer. The old sailors' method of dipping them in wax worked on the same principle. You could certainty oil eggs at home or at hostels - and this is what some of my old hiking buddies used to do before going into the woods with fresh eggs.

Eggs sold in Europe are rarely in the fridge - they are on store shelves. This is possible because they are not washed prior to being sold. The opinion of Europe's equivilent to the USDA on egg washing (http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/biohaz/biohaz_opinions/1196.html)

[zelph]

I don't have any opinion to offer about eating eggs on the trail. I just had to get a word in about Weary's "history" of human dietary habits. I'm not saying he's wrong about the eggs... but his "history" stinks. ;)

I like what weary says about eggs.

If you don't have an opinion to offer about eating eggs on the trail I suggest you send a PM to Weary to let him know how you feel about his dietary habits. Please keep my thread focused on eggs, Thank You.

Zelph

[Joshrm78]

I dont understand what all the concern is for how long u can keep ur eggs fresh. How long do u feel like humping the same dozen eggs? I know for me i go through a dozen eggs in about 4 days max myself. By this point its time ussally time for a resuply so i just get more eggs.

[saimyoji]

I dont understand what all the concern is for how long u can keep ur eggs fresh...

Yep. Welcome to WB. :welcome

As hikers, we are socially maladjusted and when we have too much time on our hands, we argue about just about anything....:cool:

Give the MinnesotaSmith thread a read. :D

[mudhead]

Or maybe not.

[Joshrm78]

Thanks for the welcome... Ahhh ok so just see what someone else thinks and totally disagree with them just to argue. Well then i think ur wrong as hikers we dont have enough time ur just nuts.

:)

[Joshrm78]

MinnesotaSmith do u got a link i pulled up all sorts of stuff dont know where to start.

[vipahman]

Being a gram weenie, I prefer the ultralight option of eating them raw. Then I follow up with a Clif bar and Gatorade. Deeeeeeelicious!

I normally carry out the shells but I'm considering throwing it into the woods. It is after all organic waste, right?

[saimyoji]

MinnesotaSmith do u got a link i pulled up all sorts of stuff dont know where to start.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13082&highlight=minnesotasmith

Enjoy. :D

[Gray Blazer]

I dont understand what all the concern is for how long u can keep ur eggs fresh. How long do u feel like humping the same dozen eggs? I know for me i go through a dozen eggs in about 4 days max myself. By this point its time ussally time for a resuply so i just get more eggs.Not everybody is a thru-hiker on this site.:eek: Some might want to even get out in the woods away from everybody (you know what I mean) for a few weeks.

[Joshrm78]

Not everybody is a thru-hiker on this site.:eek: Some might want to even get out in the woods away from everybody (you know what I mean) for a few weeks.

Didnt think of that.. ok so get enough eggs for 2 weeks then suck it up and eat powdered eggs for the rest of the time .. problem solved lol.

or if ur camping to get away from everybody im sure u will be a nere a water source which is ussally cold. Put ur eggs in a insulated bag then fill with cold mountain water.. U have ur own own wilderness fridge.. ps change water as needed

[Gray Blazer]

There's another way to get fresh eggs in the woods. HHhhmmm....I'm thinking Bald Eagle or maybe some Spotted Owl?:D

[Rain Man]

There's another way to get fresh eggs in the woods. HHhhmmm....I'm thinking Bald Eagle or maybe some Spotted Owl?:D

Don't be kicking those poor animals while they're down. Be a man! Find yerself some ALLIGATOR eggs!!! LOL

Rain:sunMan

.

[Gray Blazer]

Don't be kicking those poor animals while they're down. Be a man! Find yerself some ALLIGATOR eggs!!! LOL

Rain:sunMan

.DOH!! I should have thought of that! :o Manatees don't lay eggs, do they?:D

[TOW]

As some of you know, I like stoves.

I like eggs, like I like stoves.

I want to make fresh eggs on the trail.

I currently use this one egg poacher to make my morning breakfast. I poach one egg and serve it on one piece of toast.

I've found several ways of treating eggs on the WWW to keep them usable and safe. This spring I'll be taking fresh eggs with me on the trails to have for breakfast.

Here are some photos of the poacher. It's light weight, only requires 1/2 inch of water in the pot to make it work. Total capacity of water for the pot is 1 cup. Hiking solo may only require 1 cup of water at a time to be used for many of you.

egg poacher (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg001.jpg)

ready to cook (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg002.jpg)

egg is done sunny side up (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg003.jpg)

ready to be consumed (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg004.jpg)

egg and toast is gone (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg005.jpg)

like em scrambled (before) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg006.jpg)

like em scrambled (after) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg007.jpg)

with catsup (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg008.jpg):)

all thats left (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/freshegg005.jpg)
Take a laying hen with you when you go hike..................:D

[saimyoji]

DOH!! I should have thought of that! :o Manatees don't lay eggs, do they?:D

Chuck Norris could get a manatee to give him its eggs. :cool:

[zelph]

Take a laying hen with you when you go hike..................:D

Laying hens are already in the woods, just have to walk slower to see them.

Two years ago while doing a little bushwacking I saw a little color mixed in with the usual plants of the forest floor, stopped, took two steps back, looked to see what it was, ssswoooshhhhhh up went a hen turkey five feet away from me. Only because I back stepped did she vacate her nest. One of the eggs came out of the nest when she took flight and I being a nice guy put the egg back in the nest. My bad-----If she came back to the nest later she may have detected my odor on the egg. I returned the next day with my camera to see if I could get a photo of her on the nest, nope, the eggs were there but she was'nt. The eggs were stone cold, my bad.:(

Here are the eggs :

Photo one does'nt show up, deleted it oops

Photo two (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/obijiwa/turkeyeggs003.jpg)