Why we don’t need to wash eggs anymore
Whether poached, cracked, fried or in an omelet, eggs can be cooked in all sauces! While many of us wash them before using them, it seems that this reflex habit should be forgotten. Here’s why.
If many of us have the habit of washing eggs before eating them, this habit should be reconsidered, even if the shell may be a little dirty. Find out why you should stop this bad habit.
egg doll
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Handful of eggs under running tap water – Source: spm
Why you shouldn’t rinse the shell of eggs before eating them
Not washing eggs before consuming them may seem counterintuitive, but doing so would promote the possible spread of bacteria. And for good reason – the surface of the shell is porous enough to absorb all kinds of microbes. In addition, the egg you buy is always covered with a protective layer called “cuticle”, which once washed, will allow bacteria to grow on the shell and then enter the food you are about to consume. Bacteria are also likely to contaminate salmonellosis.
As for their conservation, it is best to do so at room temperature. That said, if you buy washed eggs before selling them, you should store them in the refrigerator and consume them soon.
rinsing eggs
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Egg rinsing – Source: spm
What if you don’t need to wash eggs?
If, as we have just seen, it is not advisable to wash eggs, nothing prevents you from cleaning the dirt that is stuck with the help of a brush or the rough part of a sponge. You will only have to gently rub the surface and that will be enough; you do not need water or detergent for this.
As with eggs, there are also other foods that should not be washed before consumption.
Why is it better not to store eggs in the refrigerator?
Unless they are pre-washed and therefore devoid of the cuticle that protects them against bacteria, eggs should not be stored in the refrigerator.
refrigerator eggs
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Eggs stored in the door of a refrigerator – Source: spm
The humidity surrounding an egg fresh from the refrigerator or freezer promotes the growth of germs on the shell and their possible infiltration into the egg white and yolk. European regulations take this problem into account and therefore require retailers to store and transport eggs at room temperature.
How to choose the right eggs?
Proper storage of eggs is based on compliance with certain rules. Thus, eggs stored in the best conditions will in principle be covered with a thick layer of newspaper and protected from temperature changes. They should also be kept for 3 weeks away from light, moisture and air. It can also be useful to distinguish a good egg from a bad one with simple observation.
If you want to store your eggs in the refrigerator, you need to make sure they are pointed down. Also, to prevent eggs from absorbing food odors, separate them from meats and fruits, especially strong-smelling foods like cheese and onions. Store them in their packaging and place them on the bottom shelf; the cold air is denser there. This way, the eggs will be better preserved and will not suffer from temperature changes.
So be sure to keep these details in mind when you buy your eggs, if you want to store them, or if you plan