Eggs are a staple in many households, but have you ever wondered how to determine their freshness? Beyond the expiration date, there’s a secret code on egg cartons that can help you make informed choices. Let’s dive into the world of egg codes and explore how to get the freshest eggs possible.
The Julian Date: A Key to Freshness
If you take a closer look at your egg carton, you’ll find a three-digit number printed near the sell-by date. This is the Julian date, which represents the day the eggs were packaged. The Julian date follows a simple numbering system, where 001 corresponds to January 1st and 365 corresponds to December 31st.
The Plant Code: Identifying the Source
Next to the Julian date, you’ll often see a code starting with “P” followed by four digits. This is the plant code, which identifies the facility where the eggs were processed and packaged. This code is especially useful in case of a recall, as you can check if your eggs are affected by looking up the plant code on the FDA’s Egg Safety website.
An egg safety fact to know this #NationalEggMonth: The dates listed on a carton of eggs don’t indicate the safety of the egg, but rather its quality.
The Julian date represents the day of the year the eggs were packed. #Eggs are safe to consume 4-5 weeks past the Julian date. pic.twitter.com/b633G7NcPJ
— Iowa Egg Council (@IowaEggCouncil) May 16, 2024
Why the Codes Matter
Understanding the codes on egg cartons can help you make informed choices about the eggs you buy. Eggs stay freshest for about four to five weeks after packaging, but the USDA allows eggs to be sold for up to 30 days after packaging. This means that even if a carton is within its sell-by date, it could already be several weeks old.
To get the freshest eggs possible, look for the highest Julian number on the cartons at the store. You can also compare the Julian date with the sell-by date to ensure you’re getting the freshest eggs. Additionally, buying eggs within a few days of packaging can ensure the best taste and texture.
The Importance of Proper Storage
Once you’ve chosen the freshest eggs possible, storing them correctly is key to maintaining their quality. Keep eggs in their original carton, store them in the coldest part of your fridge, and use them within three to five weeks of purchase.
Identifying Rotten Eggs
If you’re unsure whether your eggs are still fresh, try the float test or crack test. The float test involves gently placing an egg in a bowl of water, while the crack test involves cracking the egg into a separate bowl to check its freshness.
Tips for Buying the Freshest Eggs
When buying eggs, choose those from a refrigerated section, inspect the carton for cracks or dirt, and look for the USDA Grade shield. Buying only what you need and purchasing eggs as you need them can also help ensure freshness.
Making the Most of Expiring Eggs
If you find yourself with eggs that are close to expiring, don’t let them go to waste. Try making quiche, shakshuka, homemade pasta, or other delicious recipes that use up plenty of eggs.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a moment to check the Julian date, plant code, and overall quality of the eggs before adding them to your cart. By cracking the code, you can make informed choices and enjoy the freshest eggs possible.
