Why You Should Always Crack Eggs On Your Counter

When it comes to cooking at home, especially baking, cracking eggs is a common task in many recipes. However, home cooks often unknowingly make a crucial mistake by cracking their eggs on the edge of a mixing bowl. Cracking eggs like this seems intuitive and convenient; it's easy to perform, and it prevents the egg from rolling away. But, what most people don't realize is that this method can disrupt the thin membrane that separates the shell from the egg white. This membrane acts as a protective barrier, shielding the egg white from any potential contamination or unwanted elements, including tiny shell fragments.

Once this membrane is ruptured, the chances of crushed pieces of shell entering the egg white increase significantly. And we all now these bits of shell can be challenging to extract. To avoid this issue, it's crucial to adopt an alternative approach. Next time, try cracking your eggs on a flat surface, such as a countertop.

To ensure that your egg dishes remain free of unwanted crunchiness, it's important to adopt the correct method of cracking eggs. Before you start the task, make sure the countertop surface is clean and dry. This will help maintain proper hygiene and prevent bacterial contamination. Hold the egg in one hand and, using a gentle but firm motion, tap it against the countertop. Avoid using excessive force, as this can cause the egg to shatter and make it difficult to separate the shell cleanly.

After the initial tap, you should see a small crack along the surface of the shell. Using your fingers, gently pull apart the shell along that crack to create a larger opening. Be cautious not to let any shell fragments fall into the egg white. Once the shell is opened, pour out the egg into a separate bowl before adding it to your recipe so you can make sure it is unspoiled.

If egg shell bits still get into your mixture, don't panic. The trick to getting them out is to wet your fingers with a little water, which will keep the egg white from sticking to your fingers. Just keep in mind you need to move fast lest the eggshell slip further from your grasp. And don't throw out those eggshells either. Did you know that adding crushed shells to your coffee can cut back on the tannins and make it taste less acidic and bitter?