How to Buy Eggs

We may not know which came first the chicken or the egg but as consumers we should know if it's a good or bad egg. Buying eggs can be confusing with all of the choices we have today. We not only have to select the brand but the type of egg and how it was raised. Here are some tips to help make an "egg-cellent" choice when buying eggs.

Instructions

1. Break the code. Near the "sell by" date there are numbers that represent a code. The first few numbers are for the packing company and the last three digits are the coded date the eggs were packed on. Here is how to break the code: January 1 equals Day 1, continue onward through the year and December 31 equals Day 365. For example, in "0967105" the "105" code means the eggs were packed on April 15th which is the 105th day of the year.

2. Calculate the "sell by" date. This date is to be no more than 30 days from the packing date. The packing date must be within one week of the eggs being laid. If the eggs are stored properly they are typically good for 30 days after the sell by date. Check for cracks in the shell which could let bacteria in and contaminate the eggs.

3. Select a size and color. There are Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium, and Small eggs. The size varies depending on the breed of hen, what she was eating, her age, weigh,t and environmental conditions. The color white/brown is based on the breed only.

4. Grade the eggs. The highest quality egg with the USDA stamp is the Grade AA. The grading system is based on several factors such as the condition of the shell, appearance inside the egg called the air cell, the albumen, yolk and freshness. The next level is Grade A then B which is sold mostly to a commercial businesses such as restaurants or bakers.

5. Choose the type of egg. Farm raised, cage free and free range tell the consumer how the hens were raised versus factory. Standard white eggs have less restrictions over the feed compared to others like organic eggs. Organic eggs have no chemicals, animal products, hormones or antibiotics used in the feed. Omega 3 is enriched with flaxseed and vegetarian eggs have more vitamins and nutrients added.

6. Buy an egg substitute. Liquid egg whites are sold in a carton and contain added nutritional supplements. The yellow color is actually beta carotene not the yolk. Liquid whole eggs are also sold in pourable containers and are pasteurized as well (heated to remove bacteria). An unopened container will keep about 3 months in the refrigerator or can be frozen. Powdered eggs are also available.

7. Pay for the eggs. The price will vary depending on the breed of hen, the feed and the entire process to market. Buy your eggs according to the health needs of you and your family. Some have less cholesterol than others or more vitamins and nutrients.

Tips & Warnings

• Check if the egg is old by putting it in water--if it floats, it's old.