eli5 why can’t I leave eggs at room temperature but boiling them is ok wouldn’t boiling them speed up the spoiling
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Eggs have a protective layer called the bloom. It helps prevents bacteria from entering the egg through the shell. Reproductively speaking, it keeps the developing chick safe. In the US, most eggs are washed before sale (and are not fertile), necessitating refrigeration. If they aren’t washed, they are shelf stable. I actually have a couple dozen on my counter right now. However, if you have unwashed eggs and refrigerate them, you don’t want to then leave them at room temperature. Going from cold to warm will cause the eggs to sweat (think of a glass of ice water and how sweat appears on the outside of the glass), and the sweat will break down the bloom.
Eggs don’t go bad when you boil them for the same reason cooking doesn’t cause other food to go bad. Spoiling is caused by bacteria. Cooking (including boiling) will actually kill bacteria (which is why at buffets the food is always kept hot). Same reason for refrigeration – the cool temps slow bacteria growth.
AMA. I’m obsessed with chickens and own over a dozen lol
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