Washing fresh eggs is one of those hotly debated topics that most people seem to be either adamantly for or against. Let’s look at a few facts to figure out if washing eggs is a good idea or not.
There are a few things we know about chicken eggs that are true. Let’s take a look.
Okay, well all those facts may be fine and well, and seems to point to unwashed eggs being a good choice, but what about salmonella? Glad you asked!
Hopefully, if you have chickens and you properly care for your chickens you should A) have healthy chickens free of disease and B) keep your coop clean which will result in very few dirty eggs. Which pretty much eliminates the salmonella issue!
I would also like to point out that in pretty much any other country besides the United States even their commercial eggs remain unwashed. In fact, in some cases, it’s illegal to wash commercial eggs. Ironic, right? Although possibly not surprising—we Americans are a bit germaphobic!
Eggs have small pores which harmful bacteria can enter. Even shells that appear clean can carry germs. Even so, eggs do not need to be washed. If not washed, they can keep without spoiling for weeks without refrigeration.
Bringing it all Together
By looking at all these factors makes it pretty obvious that you really don’t need to wash your eggs if they come from healthy chickens! So proper coop management is key! (Keep in mind I’m talking about home use for eggs—if you sell your eggs you might have laws regulating that they be washed.)
However, there are a few scenarios we may want to take into consideration such as—
What if there are chunks of chicken crap on my eggs?
We all know, that as hard as we try, chickens are barnyard animals and there WILL be times you get dirty eggs!
In those situations it’s recommended that instead of washing the poop off with water you take a little scrubber and scrub the poop off. Such as using one of those green scratch pads. Keep it away from your dishes, and only use it for chicken poop.
Now for a little science
Did you know that when you wash eggs in cold water it actually creates a vacuum effect and it pulls bacteria into the egg? Eww.
If You Don’t Wash Your Chicken Eggs YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS
FAQ
Can you eat fresh eggs without washing them?
Do you need to wash farm fresh eggs before using them?
How long do fresh eggs last if you don’t wash them?
Why is washing eggs not recommended?
What happens if you don’t wash your eggs properly?
Because of this, fresh eggs are often covered in contaminants like dirt, feathers, poop and salmonella. If the shell of the egg isn’t washed properly, these contaminants can end up in your food and spread on cooking surfaces and equipment.
Will eating eggs cause face to break out?
According to some published studies, some gastrointestinal reactions tend to be common for those with an allergy to ovalbumin. Among them, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itchy throat and indigestion can be felt.
Should eggs be left unwashed before use?
So, eggs that are removed from the nest box that are clean, are best left unwashed until just before use. However, eggs that have dirt, feathers, or chicken droppings attached when removed from the nest box should be washed in warm water (eggs should not be washed in cool water as this pushes bacteria into the shell pores) and used first.
Are washed eggs safe to eat?
Washed eggs will lose moisture and quality sooner, but may still be safe to consume within that same timeframe. Because washed eggs are more porous, it is best to store them in an enclosed container within the refrigerator to reduce moisture loss and also the absorption of off-odors or bacteria.