Rumor :Eggshells with spots cannot be eaten
√/✗:This is a wrong statement
The formation of spots on eggshells has various causes, which may stem from the hen’s diet, health status, or genetic factors; they can also arise during storage and transportation due to friction or collision; and they might be induced by unsanitary storage conditions. Regardless of the cause, as long as the egg is fresh, with no cracks accompanying the spots, and the yolk and whites are normal in appearance, free of odor, and not broken up when opened, the egg is edible.
Causes of Spot Formation on Eggshells
The spots on eggshells cannot be explained by a single cause but are the result of multiple factors acting together.
- Hen’s Diet and Health Status
The hen’s diet has a significant impact on the shell color and spot formation of the eggs she produces. The minerals, vitamins, and pigment content in feed all influence the appearance of the eggshell to some extent.
For example, when hens do not consume enough calcium and phosphorus, the eggshells may become thinner and prone to spot formation.
Additionally, the hen’s health status also affects the quality of the eggshell. If the hen suffers from a disease or is in a suboptimal health state, spots may also appear on the eggshells of the eggs she lays.
- Impact During Storage and Transportation
During storage and transportation, due to physical factors such as friction and collision, spots may also appear on the surface of the eggshell. These spots are usually caused by minute damages to the eggshell surface and do not necessarily affect the internal quality of the egg.
- Impact of Storage Environment
The hygienic conditions of the storage environment also affect the formation of spots on eggshells. If the storage environment has high humidity, unstable temperatures, or significant microbial contamination, more spots may form on the eggshells.
These spots may be caused by colonies or metabolites formed by microorganisms reproducing on the eggshell surface.
How to Judge the Freshness and Safety of Eggs
To assess the freshness and safety of eggs, we can start with the following aspects:
- Pay Attention to Storage Time: Eggs have a relatively short shelf life, typically lasting about a week at room temperature.
- Observe the Appearance: Fresh eggs have smooth shells, uniform color, and no obvious spots or cracks.
- Smell the Odor: Fresh eggs should have a faint fishy smell when opened, which is normal.
- Check the Internal Quality: After opening the egg, observe the state of the yolk and whites. Fresh eggs have a full, bright-colored yolk that does not easily disperse, and the whites are sticky, transparent, and odorless.
