Tag: Egg refrigeration

Did you know that in many European countries, eggs are not refrigerated in stores? This contrasts sharply with U.S. practice and gets to the heart of the question: **do farmers market eggs need to be refrigerated**? The answer depends entirely on one crucial detail: a natural, protective layer called the 'bloom' or cuticle.

Unlike in many European countries where eggs are sold unwashed and at room temperature, U.S. commercial eggs undergo a mandatory washing and sanitizing process that often uses chlorine-based solutions. This practice is a key part of the American food safety strategy, leading to different handling and storage requirements.