Inside The Egg-Eggs Two

Shell White or brown Made of Calcium carbonate Depends on ear flap color Made of Calcium carbonate Color does not affect flavor

Shell Membranes 2 membranes inside each shell Air cell forms between these membranes 2nd line of defense against bacteria

Germinal Disc Appears as a slight depression on the surface of the egg

White (Albumen) Thin albumen-nearest to the shell Mostly water, protein & minerals Thick albumen stands up when egg is broken

Chalaza Pair of spiral bands that anchor the yolk in the center of the thick albumen More prominent-the freshest egg Disappears when egg is cooked

Yolk Membrane Clear seal holds the egg yolk The fresher the egg the stronger the membrane

Yolk Major source of egg’s vitamins, minerals, fat and ½ of the protein Yolk color ranges from light yellow to deep orange, depending on hen’s food

Air Cell Caused by contraction of the membranes after the egg is laid Increases in size as egg ages The fresher the egg, the smaller the air cell

The Life of a Hen

Most common farm size is 10,000-20,000 hens although the largest farms may have 500,000 hens By keeping different flocks at different stages there is a year round supply

Egg Grading Temperature controlled storage Best temperature & humidity to maintain freshness Maximum 45 degrees F Best at 40 degrees Humidity approximately 70%

Most eggs are sterile when formed, but may become contaminated as they exit the hen's body or from any surface they contact. Cleansing procedures protect the consumer from the bacteria. Eggs are washed with water that is between 90°F and 120°F Rinsed with hot water and chlorine The eggs are then placed in cold storage and shipped.

Washing & sanitizing High speed Automatic – no hands Thin coat of mineral oil applied to maintain freshness

Egg Candling Quality Control Shell condition X-large air pockets Blood spots Yolk well centered

Weighing & Grading Cartons are stamped with a “Best Before” date Usually 30 days from grading After that they are still safe but quality drops after 10 weeks

Grade AA Firm white Small air cell

Grade A Used for commercial baking or further processing Shell uncracked but rough textured

Grade B Commercial processing only

EGG SAFETY AND QUALITY

Store shell eggs in their box. Storage Refrigerate at 45°F or below (do not freeze). Store shell eggs in their box.

Eggs should be stored with the rounded end pointed up in order to keep the air cell on top and to help keep the yolk centered in the egg. Never store eggs next to strong smelling foods because eggshells are porous and will allow strong odors to be absorbed into the egg over time.

Handling Use only clean, uncracked eggs. Wash eggs before cracking or hard boiling.

Preparation Use Grade AA or A eggs for scrambling Hold cold egg dishes below 40°F. Hold hot egg dishes above 140°F.

The End