#egg-storage

#egg-storage

The first thing you need to know about farm-fresh eggs is that they usually have a protective, slightly glossy outer layer called the "egg bloom". Made up of proteins, lipids, and complex carbs, it's the eggs' first line of natural defense against external contaminants like bacteria and dirt. You won't find this coating with commercial eggs, which are required by the USDA to be sanitized, pasteurized, and refrigerated before hitting the store shelves.

In the United States, eggs are usually packed within a week of being laid, but they can legally be sold for 30 days after that packing date. This is called the Julian date, and it's shown by three numbers that represent consecutive days of the year - starting with 001 for January 1.