Magazine
Egg Basics
Eggs are a low-cost way to vary your protein.
Egg Safety
- Cook eggs until whites and yolks are firm. Cook egg mixtures until the center of the mixture is fully set (reaches 160 degrees F on a food thermometer).
- Wash hands and items that touch raw eggs or their shells with soap and water. This includes counter tops, utensils and dishes.
- Some eggs may look different but are safe to eat: • Lower-quality eggs have thin, runny whites and yolks break easily.
- Whites of very fresh eggs might look cloudy. • Blood spots might develop on the yolk as it forms.
- A green ring on a hard- cooked egg yolk can be the result of overcooking, especially if eggs are older.
- Spoiled eggs smell bad. Throw them away.
Shell color does not affect egg nutrition or safety.
Shop and Save
- Choose eggs that have been kept refrigerated. Refrigeration helps maintain egg quality and safety.
- Open the carton and check that the eggs are clean and not cracked.
- Look for a date on the carton. If kept refrigerated, eggs may still be safe after these dates but the quality will be lower.
- Most recipes are based on large eggs. You can use medium or extra-large if there are 3 or fewer eggs. Buy the size that costs the least.
Egg Math
Compare cost between sizes with this formula: cost per ounce = cost per dozen divided by ounces per dozen.
- medium = 21 ounces per dozen
- large = 24 ounces per dozen
- extra-large = 27 ounces per dozen
Store Well Waste Less
- Refrigerate eggs in their original carton as soon as possible after purchase. Keep on the refrigerator shelf, not on the door. Use within 3 to 5 weeks.
- Rinsing or washing eggs at home is not recommended. It can actually lead to increased bacterial growth.
- If eggs crack after you buy them, break into a clean container, cover tightly, refrigerate and use within 2 days. Cook thoroughly.
- Egg whites and blended whole eggs can be frozen for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator. Yolks alone do not freeze well.
Cooking with Eggs
Perfect Hard-Cooked Eggs
Fruity French Toast Casserole
Kids Can!
When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:
- peel hard-cooked eggs.
- cut or tear bread into cubes.
- mix ingredients together.