egg washing?

[PlumpChicken]

Is it ok to wash your eggs in water? Obviously eggs can be dirty when you collect them. I thought I read on hear not to wash them in water... I have been washing my eggs in water and then keeping them in the fridge.... I figured this was common practice.

What's the scoop on this>?

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Lots of debate on this.

What I do: I'm getting about 2 dozen+ eggs a day. I put them in the fridge, then at the end of the week, then pick out the dirty ones, or at least 6 dozen to wash to sell. Then the rest I use or sell to people that have requested them un-washed.

How I wash: Get a bowl of cold water (warm opens up the pores to bacteria) and a soft, clean rag. Soak it for a second, to get it really wet and cool. Then gently rub each egg to get it totally clean. If there is chunks of poo, I soak them for a minute or two, then gently rub it off. Most eggs really don't require washing though, I just do it because some customers are picky and squeamish.

Why I don't like to wash them unless I have too: Eggs have a layer called "bloom" on them. This layer naturally protects bacteria from entering through the porous shell. When eggs are not washed, they will even keep on the counter as well as in the fridge. When you wash them, you take off the bloom (which is also a natural preservative) the eggs must be kept in the fridge, and are more susceptible to dangerous bacteria. You can rub some vegetable oil on the shell to help keep bacteria out though.

Reasons to wash: I sell washed eggs for more. Plus, they look nicer and are better for when you must desperate a yolk. There really isn't a lot of difference though.

Best of Luck,

Ms. B.

 

[kstokes]

I store mine unwashed, and then wash right before cooking