Frequently Asked Questions About Eggs

#1 How long are eggs good for?
Fresh, uncooked eggs in their shell can be kept refrigerated in their cartons for at least four to five weeks beyond the pack date or two to three weeks past the sell by date. From the American Egg Board.

#2 Do I need to refrigerate eggs?
Yes. An egg will age one week for every day it is left out of refrigeration. Also, placement is important. Eggs should never be taken out of the carton as the carton protects the eggs from odors in the refrigerator. The carton also has the expiration date on it, so you will know how long you have had the eggs. Please do not store eggs on the door of the refrigerator, this is the warmest place and has the shock of being opened and closed.

#3 What is the difference between a brown and white egg?
There is no nutritional or taste difference between brown and white shelled eggs. The breed of hen that laid the egg determines the shell color. The shell color comes from pigments in the outer layers of the shell and may range from white to deep brown.

#4 What is Omega 3?
Omega - 3 fatty acids are found in green, leafy plants, flaxseed, canola and soybean oils, walnuts, fish and shellfish. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are components of lipids, organic compounds that function in the body as cellular energy stores and components of cell membranes. PUFA contain more than one double bond and are classified according to the location of the first double bond. Two PUFA, linoleic acid, an n-6 PUFA and alpha-linolenic acid, an n-3 PUFA are called essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized by the body and have to be supplied through the diet. There is accumulating evidence that n-3 PUFA may support cardiovascular and immune-system health.

#5 What is the latest on cholesterol?
A study done by Harvard Nurses' Health Study (1980 - 1994) found that "Egg consumption does not measurably raise blood cholesterol levels or have an independent effect on heart disease risk." A meta-analysis published in the June 1997 American Journal of clinical Nutrition, found that dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol levels. Instead, the researchers found that saturated fat was the major contributor.

#6 What is the white cord next to the yolk?
This is called the chalazae and you want to see it! The chalazae are nothing more than twisted egg whites that form a rope like cord. This anchors to the top and bottom of the shell membrane and acts as shock absorbers for the yolk. The chalazae is a sign of freshness, so it is good to see them!

#7 What is the difference between a fertile and non-fertile egg?
Fertile eggs are cage free and come from hen houses where roosters are added. There are between 10 - 14 hens to every rooster. A single mating can result in that hen producing fertile eggs for up to a week. According to the American Egg Board and the American Dietetics Association, there is no difference in nutritional value. To the naked eye, there is no difference. You must be trained to see the signs that an egg is fertile. There is no higher rate of bloods in a fertile egg. Many people want fertile eggs because they feel this is the most natural environment for the hen.

#8 What are blood spots?
Blood spots occur naturally in less than 1% of all egg produced. These should be caught in the processing line, but rarely small blood spots slip through. Blood spots can also form after the egg leaves the packing plant. Blood spots most often occur as the yolk ruptures out of the hen's ovary. A trace amount of blood attaches to the yolk and stays there as the egg is formed. Sometimes, due to rough handling, a blood spot can form after the eggs leave the processing plant. Blood spots are not signs of fertility. Blood spots do not mean that the egg is bad. Small blood spots can be picked off and the egg still used.

#9 What do the dates at the end of the carton mean?
Chino Valley ranchers put two date codes at the end of every carton. Reading left to right; first, you will find the Julian date the eggs were packed on followed by the month and day the eggs should be sold by.

#10 What is the difference between Grade AA and Grade A?
Grade AA eggs have an air cell that measures less than 1/8 of an inch. The shells must be smooth and oval. Grade A eggs have air cell up to 3/16". Jumbo's are never AA.

#11 What standards does Chino Valley Ranchers strive for in the eggs it packs?
All Chino Valley Ranchers hens are a minimum of cage free. We never limit access to feed or water and our hen's diet never contains hormones, steroids or anti-biotics. Our organic hens have outside access and are fed a diet that is certified organic from day one of age. All of our organic operation is inspected yearly and certified by an USDA accredited agency.

#12 What is the difference between cage free and free range?
Cage free birds are kept in large environmentally controlled buildings. These birds are on the ground and provided roosts and elevated nests for them to lay their eggs in. free range birds have the same housing as above, but they are also allowed access to the outside. These birds are allowed out to roam and forage for food.

#13 What does Chino Valley Ranchers feed their birds?
All of our birds are fed a diet that contains no hormones, antibiotics or animal protein. All of our birds are fed a diet of corn, soy beans, limestone, alfalfa and minerals. The omega - 3 birds are also fed flax seeds. We have a Doctor of Animal Nutrition who reviews the flock age, lay rate and body weight to make changes in the rations we provide. This is all monitored and checked daily. #14 What does "certified organic" mean? After October 21st, this means that the certifying agency has been approved by the USDA and has met their guidelines for being allowed to certify businesses organic. To Chino Valley, this means that we must have records that trace the birds from day one of age. Track the feed into the houses and the eggs produced. The plant where our eggs are processed must also be inspected. All of our ranches and books are reviewed annually and we are subject to unannounced reviews.

#15 How do I read label dates?
Label format: XXX Month YY Definition: XXX = Julian day that the eggs are packed on. Jan 01 is 001, Dec 31 is 365 in a non leap year. YY = the sell by day, not a year. Example: 004 Feb 03 means that the eggs are packed on Jan 4th and must be sold by February 3rd.

#16. Why are some eggs double yolked?
Double yolked eggs usually occur when the birds just start laying eggs. Their bodies are not use to producing eggs so their systems can back up. These eggs are safe to eat. The worlds record for most yolks found in an egg is nine.

#17 What makes an organic egg organic?
To be considered organic, the egg must come from a certified organic layer. This hen has been raised from day 1 of age on certified organic feed and housed to organic standards. This layer is housed in a certified organic and inspected facility. This house is cage free and the birds have access to outside range areas. These eggs are collected, transported and processed to organic standards. These eggs may then be certified as being organic.