The Surprising Truth About Storing and Washing Your Eggs

Eggs are a vital part of our daily nutrition. Packed with nutrients, they support bodily functions, can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, protect eye health, fight fatigue, strengthen bones, and even aid in weight loss when consumed moderately.

However, there's a proper way to handle and store them to ensure they're not a health hazard.

Dr. Sharon Zachi, a senior veterinarian, warns that a common habit—washing eggs—is actually risky. The right way to clean eggs is by wiping them with a vinegar-dampened towel.

According to the Israeli Poultry Farmers Association, washing eggs can introduce bacteria, dirty water, and cleaning agents into the eggs. If you plan to cook eggs with the shell for a long time, such as in a stew, the health department suggests washing the egg right before use to minimize bacterial growth.

Additionally, Dr. Zachi advises against boiling eggs in aluminum pots, as they pose a general health risk, and recommends using stainless steel cookware instead.

And what if an egg cracks? According to Clalit Health Services, if an egg is cracked or broken, whether at home or in the store, it should be discarded. If any egg contents have come into contact with other eggs in the carton, consider throwing those out too, as they might be contaminated.

As for storage, the primary rule is to keep eggs cold throughout their storage life. Purchase eggs only if they have been continuously refrigerated and store them in a sealed container in the fridge to prevent bacteria from spreading to other foods.

If you're storing eggs in the fridge door, be aware they can spoil faster due to frequent temperature changes from opening and closing the fridge. It's best to keep eggs deeper in the fridge, where they stay consistently cooler.