The USDA and our Test Kitchen have the final answer so you might get cracking safely.
Some things always hold true: Never washturkey,chicken, orground beef.
Always washleafy greensand allfruits and vegetables, even if they have peels you dont plan to eat.
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But should you wash eggs before using them?
So to get the final verdict on should you wash eggs before using them?
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Should You Wash Eggs Before Using Them?
Hens lay eggs with a natural coating on the shell called a bloom or cuticle.
This removes that coating as well as any dirt or bacteria.
These eggs do not need to be washed again before using.
Related:Are Cracked Eggs Safe to Use or Freeze?
Test Kitchen Tip:Never use unpasteurized eggs forraw purposes.
Since eggshells are porous, you dont want to immerse them in water, Blanchard explains.
But feel free to wash them individually using 90 to 120 F water to remove any debris.
For an extra food safety step, you may want to sanitize backyard or farm stand eggs.
TheIowa State Extensioncan walk you through how thats done.
Do Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated?
Even if theyre pasteurized, all eggs should be refrigerated, Blanchard confirms.
Keep eggs in the fridge alongside your milk, yogurt, cheese, and other perishables.
As soon as non-commercial eggs are washed, they should be refrigerated as well.
And it certainly cant hurt to refrigerate unwashed farm or backyard eggs; this willextend their life.
In other words, first in, first out.
Cook or bake with eggs you purchased earlier than any new dozen you happen to acquire.
You do not need to wash eggs you buy at the grocery store.
To extend the life of them, considerfreezing your eggs.
(Yes, you could do that!)
