In the kitchen, everyone has their method: some systematically rinse their eggs, others break them without asking questions. But according to Dr. Bryan Quoc le, American scientist and food security expert, this habit can be useless, even counterproductive, depending on the origin of the eggs.
Trade eggs already treated
The specialist explains that eggs purchased in supermarkets do not require any additional wash. “”Usually, in commercial washing facilities, they use sterilizing agents to wash eggs“, He said. These products being already disinfected, rinse them at home could promote the penetration of bacteria by the shell, naturally porous.
Precautions for farm eggs
The situation changes with eggs from a domestic chicken coop or bought directly from a producer. “”Unlike eggs purchased in store or grocery store, fresh farm eggs have a protective coating that allows them to stay at room temperature for several weeks“, Indicates the expert. This coating, called cuticle, acts as a natural barrier against bacteria.”Their washing eliminates the cuticle, a protective coating of the egg, which makes it likely to alter itself. So if you wash your eggs, you have to refrigerate them“He adds.
How to clean them without risk
For those who choose to wash their farm eggs, Dr Quoc advises it a precise method: “Fresh farm eggs can last up to a month, provided there are no cracks on the shell“. The use of lukewarm water is recommended to limit the survival of microorganisms, followed by careful drying and immediate storage in the refrigerator. In case of crack, it advocates throwing the egg and cleaning any contaminated surface to avoid bacterial proliferation. Even intact, these eggs must be placed from other foods.”Make sure they do not touch other foods is really essential because they can transfer salmonella, in the event of contact. So simply make sure that there is a distance between them or a physical separation“, He concludes.