How to Properly Clean and Store Fresh Eggs
The best way to prevent the spread of food-borne illness is through prevention. Farm or fresh eggs can contain bacteria and other microorganisms that can spread a range of diseases, most notably salmonella. The good news is that following a simple set of established guidelines is all that it takes to minimize health risks from the hen to the table.
To Clean or not to Clean
Eggs have a porous surface that allows for the exchange of air and other biological processes to occur that support the growth of the chick. To protect the chick from coming into toxins from the outside, a small, protective membrane is wrapped around the outside of the egg. This is a very delicate barrier, and if left unharmed, it can help to keep eggs fresher for longer periods of time. It also helps to prevent the intrusion of microorganisms or contaminants.
Unfortunately, washing the eggs will destroy this membrane. While this is fine under most circumstances as long as you are taking steps to keep them fresh, washing may actually do more harm than good. People on both sides of the wash or not wash argument have valid reasons, and you should look at the pros and cons before deciding about what to do with yours.
If you choose not to wash your eggs, then the best thing to do is give them a gentle dusting or wipe with a dry cloth to remove dirt or bird droppings. The biggest risk associated with transmitting disease via eggs comes from bird waste, so getting rid of it will reduce your chances of passing it on as you handle eggs. Then, simply store the eggs in a basket or bowl at room temperature. You can keep unwashed eggs on the counter for at least a week in most cases. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
If you choose to wash your eggs, then they need to be refrigerated immediately at a temperature at or above 40 degrees. Never leave washed eggs on the counter for more than a couple of hours in order to prevent the growth of bacteria. Keep in mind that washing eggs may be a health requirement in your community if you are going to be giving or selling them to others.
Alternative to Washing
You really want to use washing eggs as a last-resort alternative or if you want to sell them in some areas. You can actually force bacteria into the egg via pressing against the shell as the membrane gets removed at the same time. Bacteria can also get in the water and pool with the other eggs. Just make sure that if you use washed eggs that you store and heat them properly.
One way to avoid washing is to use some fine sand or grainy, but gentle material to clean the outside of the egg. This can help to keep the membrane intact. The aim is to find something that’s abrasive enough while being able to clean the shell without damaging the membrane at the same time.
Soaking
If you do decide to wash the eggs, it’s important that you match the water temperature as close as possible to the egg temperature. This will reduce the chances of the shell cracking. You can also use this trick when boiling eggs as well. Place them in water at the appropriate temperature before bringing up the heat. You’ll instantly start to see fewer cracked eggs.
In all cases, it’s important, for obvious reasons, that we need to handle eggs gingerly. It’s also important that you wash your hands under hot water with good soap for at least 30 seconds in order to remove any bacteria that may be on your hands from handling the eggs. It’s also important that you clean or discard items that you used to gather and clean the eggs as well.
Remember that eggs are very safe to store and consume as long as they are properly handled. This is just a brief summary of minimal, basic steps that you should take to protect yourself. Do some research and learn more about egg safety today, and you will discover the importance of handling these essential survival food items with caution.
