Eggs – To Wash or Not To Wash?
Everything is better when it’s clean, right? Your hands, your house, your kid’s face…but what about your eggs?
When you buy eggs from the store, you’ll notice they are pristine and clean. If you collect your own eggs, you know they don’t naturally come that way!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Eggs have a natural protective coating called bloom that prevents germs from entering the shell.
- Store-bought eggs are washed, which removes bloom, while backyard eggs can benefit from leaving this coating intact.
- Wipe backyard eggs with a dry cloth for cleanliness without losing bloom; wash only messy eggs before use.
- In the U.S., eggs are typically refrigerated, while some countries store them at room temperature.
- Prioritize the bloom over absolute cleanliness when handling fresh eggs.
What Is the Egg’s Natural Protection?
As a chicken lays an egg, it gets a nearly imperceptible coating called bloom. Bloom acts as a natural barrier and prevents germs and bacteria from entering through the shell. By leaving your eggs unwashed, this protective layer remains intact.
Commercial egg producers are required to wash all eggs before shipment, which is why store-bought eggs look so tidy.
Should You Wash Backyard Eggs?
If you are producing your own eggs for your household, you have more control over how they are handled. Wiping eggs with a dry cloth will remove feathers and dirt while keeping the bloom intact.
If you get the occasional messy egg, go ahead and wash it, then refrigerate it and use it before your unwashed eggs.
How to Store Fresh Eggs
Eggs are most often stored in the refrigerator to slow decomposition, and refrigerating is standard practice in the U.S. In many other countries, however, eggs are stored at room temperature.
Whatever your preference, consider foregoing absolute cleanliness—at least when it comes to your eggs!
