Although unpasteurized foods may have a better flavor profile and slightly more nutrients in some cases, you should choose pasteurized foods when possible. Pasteurized foods have been shown to be safer, have a longer shelf life, and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Pasteurized Eggs: Pros and Cons
Eggs can carry salmonella, which is the leading cause of food poisoning in the United States. Cooking kills the salmonella bacteria, but that still leaves two problems:
- Some recipes, like eggnog, spaghetti carbonara, and Caesar salad dressing, call for uncooked eggs.
- Even when preparing cooked eggs, you run the risk of cross contamination. A little speck of raw egg on your hands or cutting board can be transferred to something else and ultimately make someone sick.
One solution is to use pasteurized eggs (pasteurization can even be done at home, using your microwave). Note that poached eggs and eggs prepared over easy or sunny-side up arent fully cooked.
Moreover, because of cross-contamination risk, if youre cooking for someone in one of the categories mentioned above, you might want to use pasteurized eggs anyway.
Pasteurized vs Unpasteurized Eggs
FAQ
Are pasteurized eggs better than unpasteurized?
What are the disadvantages of pasteurized eggs?
Is it safe to use unpasteurized eggs?
What are the benefits of pasteurized eggs?
Are pasteurized eggs better than unpasteurized eggs?
This means pasteurized eggs are safer in recipes that call for uncooked or partially cooked eggs, like homemade Caesar dressing or a classic French meringue. The difference between pasteurized eggs and unpasteurized is that pasteurized eggs are heat treated to kill harmful bacteria.
What are the healthier substitutes of egg in baking?
Egg is used for binding, leavening and moistness in baked recipes. The few alternatives of eggs are chia seeds which are used for their binding properties. Tofu is used to achieve the look of scrambled egg, a pinch of turmeric and yeast can be added to obtain flavor. Flaxseed gel with little baking powder is used in leavening the dough for moistness, mashed banana, applesauce, pureed avocado and garbanzo beans can be used.
Are most eggs pasteurized?
When you ask yourself are most eggs pasteurized, the answer is no. They make up a very small percentage, less than 1%, of the total eggs being sold in the USA and the Netherlands. They’re the safest option for the elderly, young kids and pregnant women. Since they reduce the chance on a foodborne illness.
Are unpasteurized eggs safe?
Unpasteurized eggs are not heat treated and can still hold this bacteria, such as Salmonella. This makes pasteurized eggs safer to consume than unpasteurized eggs, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant people, and the elderly. Are All Eggs Pasteurized?