FAQs didn't really answer about washing eggs or not

[Amyable]

Bloom is the protective coating that covers an egg as it is laid. Also called cuticle. never seen an egg in the process of being laid, but from what I've read it seems the egg is wet with bloom the moment it comes out the vent and dries very quickly to seal out bacteria.

 

[wombat]

Eggs from commercial growers keep a really long time. Are they washing them? What is "bloom" anyway?

Eggs in general will keep a very long time. They will gradually lose moisture, though, whether commercial or home raised.

Commercial eggs are often collected from hens that are caged so that the eggs roll from below the cage to a collecting tray. They are less likely to get dirty because the hen really has nowhere to go, and the egg's not going to get laid on the floor of the coop. When they are dirty, the general practice is to clean them with warm water and a sanitzer detergent.

You should still wash store-bought eggs before you use them. They look clean, but the most common contaminent these days is from bacteria that develop on conveyor belts where broken egg spills have not been completely cleaned up.

Amyable already did a good job of covering your question regarding bloom.​

 

[Ladyhawke1]

Personal choice.

I have never washed an egg in my life, and I am getting pretty old by now. I have had chickens in another life but never had layers. I received my present four ladies in March, when they were day old chicks. I still have never washed an egg. I collect the eggs on a regular basis ...but then I am retired and I have that luxury.

I inspect every egg before I crack it. I also crack them into a bowl before I use them even though I have no rooster...just a habit. I give eggs to my friends and I instruct them NOT to wash the eggs and I explain the "bloom" to them.

If the egg in the nest and is still wet, I let it dry before I retrieve it. I make the chickens wash their hands before they eat.

 

[mdbokc]

Nor have we ever washed an egg before using it. Basically do the same as Ladyhawke1.

 

[mdbokc]

Although I eventually got lazy and quit cracking them into a separate bowl first.

 

[TipsyDog]

I don't wash eggs. Maybe wipe off so nothing falls into my food, but I don't wash them. I'm kinda getting old and still very healthy! I eat raw eggs and cookie dough too!

 

[redstars]

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/1977-11-01/Fresh-Eggs.aspx?page=2
This really answered alot of egg storage questions for me.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I think your questions have been answered. I'll add a bit of explanation about the temperature of wash water and why it is important. The egg has an air sac in it. If you wash an egg in water cooler than the egg, the egg and the air in the air sac cools off. When the air cools off, it shrinks in volume. This creates a suction through the porous egg shell and it pulls water into the egg. The water can carry bacteria with it.

If the water is warmer than the egg, the air in the air sac expands, creating a pressure in the egg and keeping any water from coming in through the shell. The recommendation is to have the wash water about 10 degrees warmer than the egg and you will be OK.

Hope this helps.

 

[TipsyDog]

Quote:
Oh my Ridgerunner! I will forever remember what temp water to wash an egg in thanks to your great description. Reminded me of that episode from Seinfeld where George had a shrinkage problem! Cold - not good!

Thanks - I could never remember before!!!

 

[Bedste]

After reading this thread.... I will no longer wash any eggs unless they are really dirty. I will rinse them off as I am using them.