Why do we keep eggs refrigerated? Having traveled through South America and Asia

1. 74

   DowntroddenInDCposted 15 years ago

   Why do we keep eggs refrigerated? Having traveled through South America and Asia, no one kept...
   
   eggs refrigerated. Additionally, the eggs on my grandparents farm were never refrigerated that I recall growing up. So why do we refrigerate them now?

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2. 60

   The Breakfast Hubposted 15 years ago

   Raw eggs are supposed to be refrigerated when you're not using them, and should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
   
   The main concern is Salmonella, which can be deposited into the egg from the hen, during formation in the reproductive tract. Salmonella can't be detected by appearance, taste, or smell.
   
   However if you're buying eggs from a local market, you have more leeway. If the eggs are chemical free and pasteurized, you can keep them on the counter for a few days without worrying too much. But if you plan on having them longer than that before using them, I'd suggest chilling them.

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3. 77

   fastfretaposted 15 years ago

   I've often wondered about that myself.  When I was growing up, about 900 years ago, I would see people let their eggs stay in the chicken coup for days, (possibly waiting to get baby chicks), then bring them in and they'd sit on the counter for a few more days, then cooked and eaten.  But I notice today refrigeration is recommended, could it be what they feed the chickens today in the US, um?

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4. 88

   Marisa Wrightposted 15 years ago

   No reason.  These days we refrigerate lots of foods that don't require it, because we've lost the knowledge of what needs to be chilled and what doesn't.
   
   In fact, eggs last longer if they're not kept in the fridge.  Eggs are never refrigerated while they're sitting in the supermarket or the shop.

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