In order to get the maximum benefits from eggs, you need to recognize the characteristics of good, fresh, and high-quality eggs. As one of the high-protein foods, eggs are often included in diet menus that can help lower cholesterol levels in the body. The price is also affordable, making eggs quite reliable as a complement as well as a source of protein in various dishes.
However, before consuming them as part of your daily diet, paying attention to the characteristics of good-quality eggs, such as the expiration date or yolk color, is a must so that the eggs you consume do not pose a health risk.
So, what are the characteristics of good eggs? How do you pick good eggs? Come on, check out the following explanation to the end!
Characteristics of Good and Fresh Eggs
Eggs are a source of animal protein that also contains vitamins B2, B6, and B12. However, to get the maximum benefits of eggs, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of good and fresh eggs. Check out the explanation in the following points.
1. Eggshell Quality
First, one characteristic of a good egg is the quality of its shell. A good eggshell should have no dirt on it, not be cracked, and maintain its shape.
Then, a normal chicken egg should have a perfectly oval shape, not be round or overly elongated, because its shape may indicate its quality. Apart from that, texture also plays an important role in identifying fresh eggs. Other characteristics of fresh eggs include a rough-textured shell and fine white granules on its surface.
2. Yolk Color
The next characteristic of good eggs is the color of the yolk. The reason is that a bright-colored yolk can be a sign that its quality is good and that it contains sufficient nutrients. Besides that, a clear yolk is also a characteristic of good and fresh eggs. Make sure that the yolk is not cloudy before you consume it.
3. Egg Expiration Date
Just like other types of food, the expiration date can help determine egg quality. Therefore, you need to ensure that the eggs have not passed their expiration date so they do not become a source of disease.
Then, what about eggs bought at a stall that do not have an expiration date label? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), eggs can last at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For that reason, it is recommended to store eggs in the refrigerator so they can last longer.
Read also: 8 Health Benefits of Caffeine
4. Egg White Consistency
Next, a characteristic of good eggs that is easy to recognize is the consistency of the egg white. It should be noted that good egg whites for consumption should not be too runny. If you find an egg white whose consistency is too runny or unusually thick, then it is best not to consume it.
5. Egg Size
A characteristic of good eggs that is no less important is paying attention to their size. Eggs that have a medium size are believed to indicate that the eggs are in good condition for consumption.
Eggs that are too small might indicate that the eggs were produced by chickens that are not old enough. Meanwhile, eggs that are too large may indicate certain conditions experienced by the chicken. This may affect the nutrients contained in the egg.
How to Choose High Quality Eggs
After knowing the characteristics of good eggs, you need to understand effective tips for choosing high-quality and fresh eggs. The following are ways to choose quality eggs.
1. Check the Expiration Date
An easy way to choose quality eggs is by checking the expiration date on the side of the egg carton. In this case, you need to check the expiration date before buying the eggs. Even so, placing them in the refrigerator can help maintain their quality and slow bacterial growth.
2. Check the Egg’s Aroma
If the eggs have passed the expiration date check, you can move on to the next step: checking their aroma. Eggs that are not fit for consumption have a pungent aroma.
If you have difficulty distinguishing the smell, crack the egg and put it in a container so its contents can be smelled properly. If the egg's contents give off an unpleasant aroma, that is a sign that the egg is no longer fit for consumption. Be sure to wash the container with soap before using it again.
3. Check the Egg’s Shape
In addition to aroma, you can observe the egg's shape as one way to choose quality eggs. An egg that is too small, cracked, or covered in powdery residue can be an indication that the egg has experienced a decrease in quality.
Then, you also need to pay attention to the consistency of the egg white and the yolk color. A reddish color change accompanied by a pungent odor might indicate the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella.
4. Test the Egg in Water
Testing eggs in water is a fairly popular method for determining whether or not an egg is fit for consumption. The method is simple: place the egg into a container filled with water, then observe whether it sinks or floats. If the egg sinks, it may indicate that the egg is still fresh. Conversely, if the egg floats, it may indicate that the egg is no longer fresh.
Health Benefits of Egg
There are many health benefits of eggs, one of which helps the body repair cells. Below are various benefits of eggs that you can get.
1. Helping the Body Repair Cell
As is known, the protein contained in a single egg plays an important role in supporting various cellular functions in the body. It is this nutrient that forms the body's building blocks for tissues, such as muscles, bones, the brain, and so on.
2. Maintaining Eye Health
The next benefit of eggs is that they help maintain eye health because of the lutein and zeaxanthin they contain. It should be noted that both antioxidants are needed by the retina to form a protective layer against the effects of sunlight.
A number of studies also mention that lutein and zeaxanthin help reduce the risk of eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
3. Maintaining Brain Health
Next, a benefit of eggs that is no less important is maintaining brain health. This is because the choline content in eggs plays an important role in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory formation and several other brain functions. This is also closely related to memory, cognition, and nerve function.
That concludes the discussion of the characteristics of fresh eggs along with ways to choose quality eggs. Although eggs can last a long time if stored in the refrigerator, recognizing the characteristics of good eggs before consuming them still needs to be done so that eggs remain safe and do not become a source of disease.
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