Should eggs be washed before storing in the refrigerator?

In a recent article on his fanpage, Taiwanese nutritionist Yang Sihan shared that chicken eggs are considered an “ideal nutritional storehouse” thanks to their ability to provide abundant protein with a high absorption rate. Eggs are an essential food, cheap and appear in almost every family’s refrigerator, but many people are still making serious mistakes in preserving them, unintentionally turning this nutritious food into a source of harm to their health.

According to Sihan, one of the most common habits is to wash eggs with water immediately after purchasing them for cleaning purposes. She warns that this is a disastrous mistake, because direct contact with water will destroy the natural protective cuticle layer on the surface of the eggshell. This thin membrane acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering and keeps the eggs fresh for a long time. When this protective layer is lost, bacteria will easily penetrate through tiny holes on the surface of the shell, accelerating the metamorphosis process and causing the egg to spoil faster.

For canned eggs purchased at the supermarket, experts say consumers can completely rest assured to put them directly in the refrigerator because they have been cleaned and sterilized at the factory. Particularly for retail eggs bought at traditional markets that often accumulate dust and dirt, instead of washing with water, housewives should just use a dry towel or paper to gently wipe them. The most important rule to remember is to only wash eggs with clean water right before starting to prepare the dish.

Besides, the technique of placing eggs in the refrigerator also significantly determines the freshness of the food. Experts recommend storing eggs in the inner compartments to avoid temperature fluctuations every time the door is opened and closed. At the same time, eggs should be placed with the round end facing up and the pointed end facing down. This method helps keep the air chamber at the round end stable, keeping the yolk in the center, avoiding the situation where the yolk sticks close to the shell, causing damage to the egg.

In addition to preservation, she also answers two common questions about eggshell color and cholesterol content. Many people prefer dark-shelled eggs or eggs with dark yolks because they believe they are more nutritious. However, experts confirm that eggshell color is mainly determined by the breed of chicken, with absolutely no significant difference in nutritional content between dark-shelled and white-shelled eggs.

As for concerns about cholesterol, Sihan explained that most cholesterol in the blood is synthesized by the liver and diet only plays a secondary role. For a healthy adult, consuming one egg a day is completely safe. However, instead of worrying about eggs, consumers should pay attention to limiting accompanying foods rich in saturated fat such as bacon, sausages or fried foods. People with a history of high blood fat or cardiovascular disease can adjust their egg consumption to 2 to 3 eggs per week or prioritize using egg whites to ensure optimal health safety.