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What Are the Red Floaty Things in Eggs?
The red or blood-like spots you see in your eggs are called blood spots. They are not harmful and do not mean the egg is bad or fertilized. These spots are caused by a tiny rupture in a blood vessel in the hen’s ovary or oviduct during the egg-laying process.
Why Do Blood Spots Appear?
- Natural occurrence: They are relatively rare, but more common in farm-fresh, organic, or free-range eggs because these are less processed and not candled (a process where eggs are inspected under light and imperfect ones are removed).
- Diet and hen health: The hen’s diet, stress level, or age can influence the likelihood of blood spots.
- Egg freshness: Contrary to popular belief, blood spots are not a sign of spoilage — they often appear in very fresh eggs.
Are These Eggs Safe to Eat?
Yes! Blood spots are safe to eat. If you prefer, you can simply remove the spot with a spoon or tip of a knife before cooking. It doesn’t affect taste or nutrition.
What Kind of Eggs Should You Choose?
- If you prefer spotless eggs: Choose conventional, well-candled commercial eggs — they undergo stricter screening.
- If you prefer natural nutrition: Stick to organic or pasture-raised eggs — they may have minor imperfections like blood spots but are often more nutritious and from better-fed hens.
- Always check: Regardless of type, check the expiration date and store eggs in the refrigerator for safety.