Tag: Unwashed eggs

Globally, egg handling practices vary significantly, with most of Europe and many local farms opting out of refrigeration. The answer to why are farmers market eggs not refrigerated lies in a natural, protective layer called the 'bloom,' which is typically left intact on farm-fresh eggs but is washed away from commercially processed ones. Understanding this crucial difference is key to safe handling and storage, ensuring your local eggs remain fresh and delicious.

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.

In many parts of Europe, eggs are sold unrefrigerated, yet raw eggs are widely considered safe for consumption. This is due to a comprehensive farm-to-fork approach that includes strict vaccination protocols and the preservation of the egg's natural protective layer, which directly answers the question: Why are raw eggs safe in Europe?

In many countries outside the U.S., eggs are commonly stored unrefrigerated due to a protective layer on the shell called the 'bloom'. This leads many to wonder, **do I need to refrigerate unwashed fresh eggs?**