Understanding Your Unwashed & Ungraded Eggs
What "Unwashed" Means:
Natural Protection: Unwashed eggs retain their "bloom," a natural protective layer that prevents bacteria from entering the shell. This bloom helps keep the eggs fresh for longer at room temperature.
No Chemical Processing: Unlike commercially washed eggs, ours are not treated with chemicals that remove this natural barrier.
What "Ungraded" Means:
Natural Variation: Our eggs are not sorted by size or inspected for interior quality using candling. You may encounter a variety of sizes and occasionally, minor shell imperfections. This is a natural result of small-scale farming.
Freshness Indicator: Candling is not needed to determine freshness, as the bloom and proper storage will do that.
Cooking:
Cook Thoroughly: Always cook eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill any potential bacteria.
Use Within a Reasonable Time: Even with proper storage, it's best to use your eggs within a reasonable timeframe for optimal freshness.
Inspect Your Eggs:
Before using, gently inspect each egg for cracks or damage. Discard any cracked or damaged eggs.
Storage:
Room Temperature: Due to the bloom, unwashed eggs can be stored at room temperature (around 70°F or 21°C) for several weeks.
Refrigeration: For extended storage (several weeks to months), refrigerate your eggs. Refrigeration will extend the shelf life significantly.
Keep Dry: Avoid washing the eggs until just before use. Moisture can compromise the bloom and allow bacteria to penetrate.
Original Carton: Store eggs in their original carton, pointed end down, to help maintain freshness. This keeps the air sac at the large end of the egg, which helps keep the yolk centered.
Washing:
Wash Immediately Before Use: Wash your eggs with warm water just before cracking them. Do not wash and then store.
Gentle Cleaning: Gently rub the shell to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid harsh scrubbing..
Safe Handling and Storage
Handling Raw Eggs:
Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw eggs.
Clean Surfaces: Clean any surfaces that come into contact with raw eggs to prevent cross-contamination.
Potential for Natural Debris:
Because these eggs are unwashed, you may see some small amounts of feathers, hay, or other organic matter. This is normal and easily washed off before use.
Disclaimer:
While we take every precaution to provide clean and healthy eggs, consuming raw or undercooked eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.