Buying and storing eggs

• Inspect eggs prior to purchasing them. Make sure they are not dirty or cracked. Dangerous bacteria can enter a cracked egg.
• Store eggs in their original carton in the refrigerator and use them within three weeks.

Cooking eggs (American Egg Board recommendations)

• Place eggs in single layer in a saucepan and fill with water one inch above the eggs.
• Cover the pan and bring to boil. Turn off heat. (Remove from heat to prevent further boiling.)
• Let eggs stand, covered, in the hot water for 15 minutes.

Cooling eggs

• Water cool: Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until completely cooled, then refrigerate.

Dyeing eggs

• Eggs should reach room temperature or below prior to dyeing.
• Do not handle eggs excessively, and wash your hands thoroughly when you handle them.
• Do not color eggs whose shells crack during cooking.
• Use food coloring or food-grade dyes if they will be eaten.
• Refrigerate eggs after coloring until they are to be hidden.

Hiding eggs

• Use hard-cooked eggs within one week.
• Avoid areas where eggs may come in contact with pets, wild animals, insects or lawn chemicals.
• Refrigerate eggs after they have been hidden and found again.
• Don’t eat eggs with cracked shells or eggs that have been out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.