This is a great question! The answer depends on where you live and how the eggs were processed, because eggs can carry bacteria like Salmonella. Here’s the full explanation:
🥚 Should You Rinse Eggs Before Cooking?
1. U.S. Eggs
- In the United States, eggs are washed and sanitized before sale.
- They have a protective coating removed during processing, so they must be refrigerated.
- Rinsing them at home is NOT recommended because:
- Water can push bacteria through the shell pores into the egg.
- It can increase contamination risk rather than reduce it.
✅ Best practice: Cook eggs as usual without rinsing.
2. European/Other Countries’ Eggs
- In many European countries, eggs are not washed.
- They have a natural coating called the bloom that protects against bacteria.
- Rinsing can remove this natural barrier, so it’s usually not done either.
- Eggs are often stored at room temperature until use.
3. Exceptions
- If an egg is visibly dirty or has droppings on it, you can gently wipe it off with a dry paper towel before cooking.
- Avoid using running water if possible; if you must rinse, do it briefly under cool water and cook immediately.
4. Safe Egg Practices
- Store eggs in the refrigerator (US standard).
- Cook eggs until yolks and whites are firm to kill any bacteria.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw eggs.
💡 Bottom line: For most eggs, do NOT rinse before cooking. Only remove visible dirt gently, and always cook eggs properly.
If you want, I can also explain why some people see a green ring around cooked egg yolks and whether that means the egg is unsafe.
Do you want me to explain that?
