Pasture-Raised, Ungraded Farm Eggs (Mixed Sizes & Colors – 1 Dozen)

Ungraded Eggs vs. Graded Eggs

We believe in the natural beauty of the nest. We currently offer ungraded eggs, which means they come to you exactly as our hens laid them—authentic, fresh, and full of character.

What are Ungraded Eggs?

Unlike supermarket eggs that are sorted by machines into uniform categories, our eggs are hand-gathered and sold in their natural variety. When you buy ungraded eggs directly from our farm, you’re getting:

• Natural Variation: A beautiful mix of sizes, shell colors, and weights.

• Farm-to-Table Freshness: These eggs skip the long industrial grading and distribution lines, arriving in your kitchen much faster than "Grade A" retail eggs.

• Small-Batch Quality: We focus on the health of our birds and the richness of the yolk rather than industrial uniformity.

The Grading Standard

"Grading" (such as Grade AA or A) is a commercial classification system used by large retailers to ensure every egg in a carton looks identical in terms of shell shape and weight. While we take great pride in the integrity of our eggs, we operate as a small-scale producer.

Per North Carolina regulations, if our farm sells more than 30 dozen chicken eggs per week, we will transition to the official sorting and classification process required for high-volume producers. Until then, we are delighted to provide you with the diverse, high-quality bounty of our local flock!

Return & Refund Policy

Due to the delicate nature of eggs and food safety standards, we cannot accept returns or issue refunds once your order has been received and accepted.

• For Farm Pickups: We kindly ask that you inspect your egg cartons before leaving the farm to ensure everything is in pristine condition.

• For Local Deliveries: We carefully package and transport your eggs directly to you. We always encourage you to check the delivered product at the time of drop-off; however, once the delivery is handed over into your possession, we are unable to assume responsibility for subsequent handling, storage, or transport.

Delivery & Pickup Policy

No Shipping: To ensure the highest quality and freshness, we do not ship our poultry products.

Pickup: At checkout, please select Farm Pickup (Francisco, NC) or one of our Designated Pickup Locations.

Local Delivery: If "Local Delivery" is selected, we will contact you within 24 hours to coordinate a drop-off or discuss delivery fees based on your location.

Our Commitment to Egg Safety & Quality

We follow strict sanitation protocols to ensure every egg you receive is handled with the highest care. To maintain food safety and quality, we process our lightly soiled eggs using one of two approved methods:

1. The Sanitized Wash Process (Our Standard)

To provide a pristine, kitchen-ready product, we use a professional washing method that meets specific temperature and safety standards:

• Temperature Control: Eggs are washed in potable water that is at least 20°F warmer than the egg temperature (and at least 90°F).

• Approved Sanitization: We use only department-approved sanitizers to ensure a pristine shell while prioritizing safety and environmental health. We intentionally avoid the traditional chlorine bleach solutions commonly suggested for egg washing. Instead, our facility is approved to use an advanced, non-chlorine wash that is safer, more eco-friendly, and less toxic. This specialized solution naturally breaks down into simple water, oxygen, and acetic acid—leaving behind absolutely no harmful or bad-tasting chemical residues on your food.

• Safety First: To maintain optimal shell integrity and freshness, our eggs are gently rinsed in a suspended colander—avoiding full submersion—then dried immediately and moved straight into refrigeration.

2. Dry Cleaning (The "Bloom" Option)

For customers who prefer to keep the egg’s natural protective "bloom" intact, we offer dry cleaning. Upon request, we can provide eggs that have been "dry cleaned."

• Precision Sanding: Eggs are lightly sanded to remove small areas of dirt without the use of water.

• Important Note: Per safety regulations, sanded eggs are never washed, as this preserves the natural seal of the shell.

• How to Order: If you prefer dry-cleaned eggs, please leave a note on the checkout page. Otherwise, you will receive our standard washed and sanitized eggs.

Storage & Handling: Regardless of the cleaning method used, all eggs are stored and delivered at or below 45°F in accordance with North Carolina law. Please keep your eggs refrigerated once you get them home.

Because we are North Carolina farmers selling our raw farm products directly to you, your purchase of our pasture-raised eggs and processed whole roasting chickens is exempt from standard sales tax!

Under North Carolina tax guidelines, unprocessed agricultural products sold directly by the producer are tax-exempt. Since you are buying straight from the source—not a traditional grocery or retail storefront—you keep a little extra in your pocket while supporting local agriculture. It's just one more benefit of buying direct from Ferentinos Family Farms!