Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Eggs with blood or meat spots more than 1/8 inch in diameter are classified as inedible.
Eggs with small spots collectively less than 1/8 inch in diameter should be classified as
Grade B. The chalaza is distinguished from a meat spot by a bright area of refracted
light that accompanies its darker shadow. Blood spot eggs can be consumed without
harm, however, most people find the appearance undesirable.
4. Also, remove any eggs with unusual shell shapes, textures, ridges, or thin spots on the
shell if you plan to sell the eggs. These eggs are edible but break easily and are undesirable
to most consumers due to appearance.
D. STORAGE OF EGGS
1. Store eggs small end down in an egg carton to keep the air cell stable.
2. Date carton so you can use or sell the oldest eggs first and rotate your extra eggs. Try to
use or sell all eggs before they are three weeks old.
3. Store eggs at 50-55 degrees F and 70-75 percent relative humidity.
4. Never store eggs with materials that have an odor. Eggs will pick up the odors of apples,
fish, onions, potatoes, and other food or chemicals with distinct odors.
5. Never hold eggs at or above room temperature or at low humidities more than necessary.
Leaving eggs in a warm, dry environment will cause interior quality to drop quickly.
E. SALE OF EGGS
There are no laws that prevent the sale of eggs from a home-laying flock. However, you
should take some basic steps to ensure that the eggs you sell have uniform quality.
1. Follow the suggestions about collection, washing, storage, and sorting above.
2. For marketing, it is usually best to size the eggs. Medium, large, and extra large eggs sell
best. Egg sizes are expressed in ounces per dozen.
Small — 18 oz.
Medium — 21 oz.
Large — 24 oz.
X-Large — 27 oz.
Jumbo — 30 oz.
Egg scales can be purchased at many farm supply stores.
3. Never sell eggs in cartons with another egg producer or store name on the carton. It is il-
legal to do so. Only sell eggs in generic cartons or ask your customers to bring their own
carton to carry the eggs home in.
