When rumours spread that fake eggs were circulating in markets last month, consumers were sure to panic.
From the pictures and stories that went viral online, the eggs in question were reportedly rough to the touch. The yolks also looked very pale, leading people to assume they were artificial.
In the end, however, it was revealed that they were actually real eggs — just ones with very low quality and intended for fish, not people.
Since eggs are something we consume often, we can find them easily in convenience stores, shopping malls and fresh food markets. But how can we tell which ones are good and which ones are not?
To answer this, Life recently talked to Asst Prof Pornrat Sinchaipanij from the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, to clarify what you need to know before your next grocery shopping trip.
The freshest of them all
Like healthy skin, fresh eggs should be smooth and glowing. They should be a nice oval shape with no cracks.
Once you crack the egg open, the yolk should be firm. It should have a distinct shape, not flat, when you look at it from a horizontal angle.
Nowadays, finding bad eggs on the market is pretty rare, according to Pornrat. And the risk of consuming them is even lower.
Eggs are likely to be fresher in fresh food markets due to having a quicker turnaround time. The ads may say fresh eggs are collected daily, but how long is it before they actually reach your kitchen?
Fresh food markets vs supermarkets
This debate is forever ongoing. Are there really any differences between items bought at the two types of market? Take price and hygiene into consideration.
In one of Bangkok's markets, 10 eggs — sold in a plastic bag lined with newspaper — can cost around 36 to 42 baht depending on size. The same number would cost at least 42 baht for the home-brand variety in supermarkets. The premium ones — fancy, free range, etc — could cost over 80 baht for a pack of 10.
"In the end, though, the quality is not so different. It just depends on where it'll be most convenient for the customers to make their purchase," said Pornrat.
Eggs sold in supermarkets are usually from big farms. Chances of contamination from bacteria like salmonella are smaller. Still, this is not to say eggs in fresh food markets should be avoided.
However, Pornrat is rather concerned with packaging materials circulating in fresh food markets. Sometimes, materials are reused over and over. While recycling may be good for the environment, you can make an exception with things that come into contact with raw food.
Storage makes a difference
If you cook eggs daily, and are likely use up the whole pack within a week, you don't really need to store them in your refrigerator. But if you plan to keep them longer, then a cool place is recommended. The low temperature can slow down the natural decaying process.
Wherever you decide to store your eggs, make sure the area is clean. To prevent cross-contamination, keep eggs separate from food that is already cooked.
How long do they last?
Pornrat gives two weeks for the eggs you buy. But if you own a chicken that can lay fresh eggs for you, those could last for about one month in the fridge.
Old eggs change in taste and smell. You'll see more bubbles, and the yolk won't be firm. There will also be a change in protein quality.
"However, no one has ever done research to see if the nutrition value in eggs goes down to the level that it shouldn't be consumed once they get old," she said.
Cooking preparation
Before you crack the eggs open and start making your meal, make sure your hands are dry. And you don't need to wash the eggs, unless perhaps you're boiling them. Wet things are just dirtier, according to Pornrat. And if you touch other things afterwards, it could lead to cross contamination.
The verdict? Crack the eggs open with nice dry hands, and wash your hands before you touch something else.
Additions: Necessary or not?
Eggs are a great source of protein. And now they can offer something else too. Nutrients like Omega 3 have been added into some eggs in the premium range. This is done through food that is fed to hens.
These added qualities may look good in the ads, and Pornrat said these could be used for children who don't eat fish. However, people should not rely on eggs as the main source for nutritional essentials. Older consumers also need to be mindful of their cholesterol levels and judge the loss and gain properly.
"It's like when we say we eat fruit for protein," said Pornrat. "One food can't give you everything you need. Each still carries its benefits and limitations.
"If you can afford to, and you think these additional nutritional values are worth the baht you spend, you can decide for yourselves if you're willing to spend more on them."
