Eggs...to wash or not to wash?

[LizzzyJo]

I do not wash them. I keep them on the counter for a week for decoration and then put them in the fridge. I have a marked carton as ‘dirty’ where I put the odd muddy/poopy egg. All others are marked only with the date. I do not put unwashed eggs from fridge to counter - not sure if this is ok?? It seems that the condensation may remove the bloom?

I eat all the dirty eggs myself and wash right before cooking.

 

[1dzn4brkfst]

I do not put unwashed eggs from fridge to counter - not sure if this is ok?? It seems that the condensation may remove the bloom?

I've heard the same thing, and have often wondered "how tough is the bloom?", so I started a new thread with that question. Maybe we'll get some answers there.

 

[aart]

and have often wondered "how tough is the bloom?"

Same here, but decided it's impossible to quantify, and every birds bloom is different.

 

[Willowspirit]

Does anyone suit the handling of their eggs to the temperature in the room? I had mine out of the fridge until it got hot. I thought it would be better to keep them in the fridge then.

 

[Folly's place]

YES! Ambient temperature is directly related to egg quality, and 'room temperature' isn't 90F!
Eggs are very long lasting regardless, but refrigeration keeps them freshest the longest.
Mary

 

[aart]

Does anyone suit the handling of their eggs to the temperature in the room? I had mine out of the fridge until it got hot. I thought it would be better to keep them in the fridge then.

Oh yeah, when I had eggs stacking up(high production and low demand) and then the temps soared, they went into the fridge. Still didn't wash them tho.

I don't wash eggs unless they are very dirty, then will refrigerate or use immediately because thorough washing will remove all the protective bloom(cuticle).

Eggs should be washed in 'water warmer than the egg'.
Simple physics, using colder water will cause the egg contents to contract, causing any 'germs' on exterior surface of egg shell to be pulled into the interior of egg thru the shell pores. Using warmer water will do the opposite.

I don't use any soap or other cleaning/sanitizing agent, just rotate in my hands to 'scrub' all surfaces area of egg shell. Then I air and towel dry before placing in the fridge.

If you are washing eggs for sale to the general public, other requirements may apply, so check your state regulations.

 

[Willowspirit]

We have not washed any of our eggs so far because every one has been pristine. Happy about that!

 

[karenerwin]

I do not wash mine and I leave them on the counter. The really dirty ones, I keep for my use. I only sell clean ones to people that buy my eggs.
If you do wash your eggs then they need to be refrigerated right away.
The eggs I keep for my personal use get washed right before I use them if they are dirty.
I do tell my egg buyers that I do not wash my eggs. That way they are knowledgeable and can decide for themselves if they want to wash them before they use them.
So, really, it is up to you. Do what you are comfortable with. However, if you wash them, make sure you also refrigerate them! If you don't wash them, then you can leave them on the counter or refrigerate them. Your choice.

 

[Northern Flights]

Reducing the amount of treats to no more than 5% of daily intake has almost eliminated very dirty eggs. It is now much less common that we get poopy eggs and when we do a dry scrub with a blue scotchbrite pad usually does the trick.

Any heavily soiled eggs get quickly scrubbed under very warm tap water with a brush, immediately dried with a fresh paper towel, then placed in the "to be hard boiled" cartons.

 

[swtevrgrn]

If the eggs are clean and for my personal use I leave them alone. I refrigerate just because they last longer. (I will always leave some out though for room temperature just because I bake a lot.)
The eggs I sell...I will give a quick shine with FOOD GRADE mineral oil. If they are just a little dirty I will wipe and rinse and dry and then replace the bloom with the mineral oil. Eggs that I know I am going to sell I just leave out for a few days. If you dont sell them and they pile up on you; you can always learn how to freeze them. I have never had a problem this way for 15 years.