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This is Why Europeans Don't Refrigerate Eggs

By,
Gourmandize

What's going on over there?

Eggs Around the World

Eggs Around the World

If you've ever ventured into a grocery store outside of North America (or Japan and Scandinavia), you might have noticed that the eggs weren't kept next to the milk. In fact, they probably weren't in the refrigerator at all! 

In the United States and Canada, we've been taught that eggs shouldn't be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, but in Europe and most other places in the world, this rule doesn't apply. 

It has everything to do with how we process eggs.  

Egg Processing

Egg Processing

In America, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires eggs to be machine-washed with hot and soapy water. While this process removes salmonella and other bacteria from the surface, it also removes the protective natural outer layer from the egg, leaving the semi-permeable shells susceptible to other bacteria entering the membrane. To reduce this risk, washed eggs are coated in an imperceptible layer of  oil, and must be refrigerated at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. 

Once you refrigerate eggs, they need to stay in the fridge, because fluctuations in temperature make them more likely to get infected by bacteria. 

In European countries, this process does not exist. Instead, many farmers vaccinate their chickens against salmonella, and eggs are not washed. Though you may be shocked if you find eggs with feathers or small debris attached to the shell, the protective layer is still intact and the eggs are perfectly safe to eat! Room temperature eggs are also better for baking.


 

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VIDEO: Cheesy Cauliflower Pizza Cups

These Cheesy Cauliflower Pizza Cups are just what you need when snack o'clock rolls around!

 

Ingredients

Makes 6

  • 1/2 cauliflower head
  • 8 eggs for cauliflower mix
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • 4-6 cups shredded cheese
  • 6 slices salami
  • 6 tbsp pizza Sauce

 

Method

  1. Boil diced cauliflower in salted water until tender.
  2. Blend, then transfer to mixing bowl.
  3. Mix in 2 eggs, pepper and 2 cups of shredded cheese
  4. Share the cauliflower mixture out between 6 ramekins, forming little cups
  5. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese
  6. Bake for 25 min at 375°F
  7. Add a slice of salami, a tbsp of pizza sauce, and one raw egg to each ramekin
  8. Top with cheese and return to oven for 7 min at 375°F
  9. Serve, and enjoy!

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