Should eggs be washed before cooking?

Hygiene within the home is very important; however, in the kitchen, it becomes essential, as it is the place where we prepare food, but it is also where we can find various bacteria and germs that could harm our health. For example, we have already explained why you should not wash raw chicken, as it can spread salmonella to other foods and utensils. In the case of eggs, they are a basic ingredient in kitchens, as they are often part of breakfast, but they are also necessary when preparing desserts and battered dishes. Despite the fact that we consume them several times a week, many people still do not know how to handle them correctly, so here we tell you how! You can also read: Should chicken be washed before cooking?Should eggs be washed before cooking?The answer is very simple: no, eggs should not be washed, as their shell has an outer layer that is responsible for keeping bacteria away from the yolk and the white. Once you wash the eggs, this film disappears, and it becomes easier for bacteria to penetrate the shell through the pores. It is worth noting that one of the main bacteria we can find in eggs is salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A curious fact is that while in the United States it is mandatory to wash and refrigerate eggs, in Europe it is illegal to wash eggs, as experts believe it is better to keep the egg's exterior layer intact to avoid salmonella.Where should eggs be stored?According to The New York Times, this depends on where you buy them. If the store where you buy them keeps eggs refrigerated, it is best to keep them refrigerated. On the other hand, it mentions that leaving eggs at room temperature if you are not going to cook them immediately “can cause condensation, which can damage the outer layer or promote the growth of mold.” Additionally, it states that refrigerated eggs will be good for up to 5 weeks, while unrefrigerated eggs should be cooked within a week or two. You can also read: How to wash different vegetables?How to safely consume eggs?Before cooking eggs, follow the CDC recommendations:Buy pasteurized eggs, as they go through a heat process that eliminates almost all germs.Throw away any eggs that are broken or very dirty.Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm.Wash and disinfect utensils and containers that have been in contact with raw egg.Do not consume products that contain unpasteurized raw egg.Why can eggs contain salmonella?According to the CDC, salmonella can reach the eggshell when hens lay them or when bird feces come into contact with the egg. On the other hand, experts point out that salmonella can also be inside the egg, although this is very uncommon today. You can also read: The healthiest way to eat eggs