An important point: is it possible to wash eggs before storing them in the refrigerator?
There is a popular belief that you should not wash chicken eggs before storing them in the refrigerator. This position has several justifications.
At the same time, a number of rules for storing the product are provided in order to extend its shelf life.
Whether it is possible to wash eggs before storing them in the refrigerator, we will tell you further.
Content
Why not?
It is not recommended to wash chicken eggs before putting them in the refrigerator. This is due to the protective layer present on their shell. When washed, it is removed, which accelerates the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Unwashed eggs can stay inside the refrigerator for up to 25 days, while washed eggs can last only 5 days.
What happens if you don't wash before cooking?
The main risk is a high probability of poisoning. The outer shell needs to be processed because salmonella actively multiplies on it.
There may also be chicken droppings on the shell. In its presence, colonization by pathogenic microbes is accelerated many times over.
Do not wash the product immediately before storing it in the refrigerator. But at the same time it is necessary to clean it from contaminants using alternative methods.
Before cooking, be sure to wash the eggs. They need careful washing and heat treatment.
Alternatives to washing
Wet processing has a negative effect on eggshells. She loses her protective layer. For this reason, eggs should not be wiped with a damp sponge before storing.
As an alternative, it is recommended to resort to dry cleaning of the shell. It is enough to thoroughly clean it with a damp sponge to remove dirt and chicken droppings.
An alternative to washing is to place the eggs in a container with salt. It disinfects the shell and extends the shelf life of the product. Instead of salt, you can use ash or calcined sand. They extend the shelf life of products.
Does wet processing affect the shelf life of the product?
Washing directly affects the shelf life of the product. It shortens its shelf life. Washing eggs reduces their shelf life by 5 times. If unwashed products are stored for 25 days, then washed ones - only 5.
Are the rules different for chicken, quail and other types of eggs?
The rules regarding washing apply equally to all types of eggs. Chicken and quail shells quickly lose their protective layer after washing. The outer shell of quail eggs is especially sensitive to water. The protective layer is quickly erased when the shells of duck and goose eggs come into contact with running water.
Ostrich eggs have a denser shell. But even after washing it is quickly colonized by bacteria, which reduces the shelf life of the product.
How and where should it be stored?
The product is best stored in the refrigerator only. In this case, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- keep the product in the lower compartments of the refrigerator;
- store closer to the far wall of the refrigerator;
- place products in sealed trays with the pointed end down;
- Set the temperature inside the refrigerator to 4°C.
If it is not possible to store the product in the refrigerator, you can keep it at room temperature. But at the same time it is necessary to observe the temperature regime.
Egg whites and yolks should be in dry paper or plastic containers under a tight lid. They must be kept in a dark and cool place. The room temperature should not exceed 20°C. Humidity should be at 85-88%.
Other tips
To increase the shelf life of products, you must first wrap them in paper or newspaper. Then you need to put each egg in a box. It is better to use containers with cells. The packaging must be placed in a cool place. It is important that the sun's rays do not fall on it.
Before purchasing a product, you must carefully check its quality. Eggs with damaged shells should not be taken. Their shelf life is half as long. Also, such products are more quickly colonized by bacteria. They should be eaten immediately after purchase and only after careful heat treatment.
For consumption, it is recommended to choose dietary yolks with whites. They have a shorter shelf life, but they are of the highest quality.
It is also necessary to follow other recommendations, including:
- Throw away the removed shells immediately.
- Avoid contact of the product with other food, do not store it in containers with foreign odors.
- Buy products from small manufacturers who have higher quality products and a reliable control system.
Do not keep the product in the refrigerator door compartment. The temperature there is 4°C lower than in the refrigerator itself. Because of this, the whites and yolks will be stored much less. Their quality is also negatively affected by frequent opening of the refrigerator door.
Conclusion
It is not advisable to rinse eggs with water before placing them in the refrigerator. This affects their shelf life. Instead of 25 days, such products will be stored for only 5 days. It is recommended to dry clean only using a dry sponge and placing the product in a salt mixture.
Eggs must be thoroughly washed with water before use. Products must also be heat treated to avoid contamination with salmonellosis.
