Don't wash eggs before storing them: a freshness tip worth remembering
China News Service recently reposted a food safety reminder from the National Emergency Broadcasting service, on not washing eggs before storing them. It was prompted by a case in Shenyang, Liaoning, where a family of three fell ill after eating scrambled eggs. The investigation found the cause was spoiled eggs, and the spoilage was traced back to washing them before storage. The article quoted Sun Jing, a researcher at the Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, to explain.
The principle is not complicated. The surface of an eggshell has a water-soluble, gel-like protective layer that keeps bacteria and mold out and slows moisture loss. Washing or soaking breaks that layer, and microbes such as Salmonella can get inside the egg. Even in the fridge, washed eggs spoil much faster. If you have already washed them by accident, cook them as soon as possible, or refrigerate them and eat them within three days.
What about dirty shells? Experts suggest gently wiping off loose dirt with a dry cloth or dry paper towel. If there is a lot of manure or blood, the egg itself may not be fresh, so it is best to avoid buying such eggs. When choosing, pick well-known brands from reputable supermarkets, and the closer the production date, the better. For loose eggs with no date, there are two simple checks. Touch the shell: if it feels too smooth, the protective layer has mostly worn off and freshness has dropped. Shake the egg next to your ear: a fresh egg makes little sound, while an older one, whose white has thinned and yolk has loosened, makes a sloshing rumble.
A few storage points matter too. Don't freeze eggs, since the yolk will set and the shell may crack. Don't keep them with other foods. Shells carry many pathogens and dirt, so isolate them first before putting them in the fridge to avoid cross-contamination. Store them with the large end up, so the air cell sits at the top, which reduces the chance of the yolk sinking toward the shell and breaking. In the fridge's 0 to 4 degree Celsius fresh-keeping compartment, ordinary fresh eggs can usually be kept for one to two months.
What I found most useful about this article is that it explains the reasons behind habits we take for granted. When eggs look dirty we want to wash them, but that is actually the step most likely to cause problems. Next time before you put eggs in the fridge, remember this one line: never wash the shell before storing it.
Source: China News Service
The principle is not complicated. The surface of an eggshell has a water-soluble, gel-like protective layer that keeps bacteria and mold out and slows moisture loss. Washing or soaking breaks that layer, and microbes such as Salmonella can get inside the egg. Even in the fridge, washed eggs spoil much faster. If you have already washed them by accident, cook them as soon as possible, or refrigerate them and eat them within three days.
What about dirty shells? Experts suggest gently wiping off loose dirt with a dry cloth or dry paper towel. If there is a lot of manure or blood, the egg itself may not be fresh, so it is best to avoid buying such eggs. When choosing, pick well-known brands from reputable supermarkets, and the closer the production date, the better. For loose eggs with no date, there are two simple checks. Touch the shell: if it feels too smooth, the protective layer has mostly worn off and freshness has dropped. Shake the egg next to your ear: a fresh egg makes little sound, while an older one, whose white has thinned and yolk has loosened, makes a sloshing rumble.
A few storage points matter too. Don't freeze eggs, since the yolk will set and the shell may crack. Don't keep them with other foods. Shells carry many pathogens and dirt, so isolate them first before putting them in the fridge to avoid cross-contamination. Store them with the large end up, so the air cell sits at the top, which reduces the chance of the yolk sinking toward the shell and breaking. In the fridge's 0 to 4 degree Celsius fresh-keeping compartment, ordinary fresh eggs can usually be kept for one to two months.
What I found most useful about this article is that it explains the reasons behind habits we take for granted. When eggs look dirty we want to wash them, but that is actually the step most likely to cause problems. Next time before you put eggs in the fridge, remember this one line: never wash the shell before storing it.
Source: China News Service
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