With the high price of eggs at the moment, it can be discouraging to open the carton at home and see that one or two eggs have broken – either in transit on the way back from the supermarket, or from some unknown cause in the supermarket . refrigerator.
US egg production fell 4% in November as egg prices fell cases of bird flu continue to rise across the country, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as FOX Business reported this week.
But what can you do with broken eggs? Is all hope lost?
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A egg expert shared some “eggspertise” on this topic.
“Basically, it comes down to when the egg cracked,” Lisa Steele, the author of “Fresh Eggs Daily” and a Maine backyard chicken expert, told Fox News Digital.
An egg found cracked in a store should not be used as it could be dangerous. (iStock)
Steele said she “wouldn’t use an egg that I found cracked in a box I bought at the store” because a consumer has no idea how long it’s been there broken.
It is also important to check eggs for cracks before purchasing.
The shell of an egg, together with the egg membrane, protects the egg against harmful bacteriasuch as salmonella.
During the winter, eggs from backyard chicken coops are more prone to cracking due to the cold temperatures.
“But if you know you accidentally broke the egg, then I can would cook that and call it good,” she said.
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During the winter, eggs from backyard chicken coops are more prone to cracking due to the cold temperatures, Steele told Fox News Digital.
For Steele personally, she said she would use an egg that it has recently accidentally burst – but only if the membrane is still intact.
Be sure to check eggs at the grocery store for cracks before purchasing them. (iStock)
“That membrane protects (the egg) from bacteria,” she said.
“You can simply crack the egg into a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a lid and use it within two days. Make sure you cook it completely at at least 160 degrees.”
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But if the membrane is broken, it’s not safe for people to eat, Steele said.
However, it is still good for the compost bin.
“The calcium in the shell is great for the soil,” she said.
The Ministry of Agriculture shared similar guidance on its website.
“Bacteria can enter eggs through cracks in the shell. Never buy cracked eggs,” the USDA said.
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Eggs that crack during the cooking process, such as hard-boiled eggs, “are safe,” according to the USDA.
These broken eggs do not need to be thrown away.
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And “remember that all eggs must be thoroughly cooked,” the same source said.
Although eggs have not historically been considered a “health food,” the FDA now classifies them as a “healthy, nutritious” food, according to a new proposed rule.
The FDA now classifies eggs as a “healthy, nutritious” food, according to a new proposed rule. (John Kelly/Alamy Stock Photo)
According to the agency, the update is the result of changes in nutritional science and dietary recommendations.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
Melissa Rudy and Greg Wehner, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting.
