Red Spots in Your Eggs: What You Need to Know

Have you ever opened an egg and found a small red spot inside? You might have wondered if it was a sign of a bad egg or maybe even a sign of a developing chick. Red spots in eggs, commonly known as blood spots or meat spots, are quite common and generally harmless. In this article, we will explore the types of spots you might find, their safety, and what you can do to ensure peace of mind when cooking with eggs.

Safety and Outlook on Red Spots in Eggs

Red spots in eggs, also often referred to as meat spots, are small, harmless blood spots that can appear on the yolk. These spots occur when a chicken's delicate blood vessel is accidentally broken during the egg-laying process. While they are usually harmless, they might sometimes be seen as a cosmetic issue, leading to the rejection of such eggs by grading processes.

It's important to note that both blood spots and meat spots do not affect the quality or taste of the egg. They are temporary and tend to fade over time.

Types of Red Spots in Eggs

There are two main types of red spots you might encounter in your eggs:

Blood Spots

Blood spots are small, red spots found on the yolk. These spots are a result of a broken blood vessel during the egg-laying process. While they may look alarming, they are completely harmless and indicative of fresher eggs, as they tend to fade and disappear over time.

Flesh Spots

Flesh spots, also known as meat spots, are small lumps found in the egg white. These are also harmless and can be easily removed with the tip of a knife. Both types of spots are found in fertilized and unfertilized eggs and are a natural part of the egg-laying process.

Occurrence and Prevalence

Both blood spots and meat spots are more commonly found in large layer house eggs due to the use of bright lights for inspection. Eggs with such spots are often sold to commercial bakeries and other establishments. Older hens, especially those laying brown eggs, are more likely to produce eggs with these spots. Large layer houses typically keep hens for just one to two laying cycles, so as the hens age, the risk of producing spotted eggs increases.

How to Identify and Handle Red Spots

If you often find red spots in your eggs, it might be worth checking your egg source. Some producers go to extra lengths to minimize such occurrences. A useful trick is to buy eggs from kosher sources, as these are often white-shelled eggs that are easier to inspect for blood spots using a flashlight. In the UK, Denmark is a reputable supplier of white-shelled eggs.

One method to handle these spots is to break eggs into a glass bowl, allowing you to lift them up and inspect for any signs of blood spots. This can help you ensure that you're cooking with egg whites that are free from red spots. This technique can be particularly reassuring if the sight of spots makes you uncomfortable.

Remember, no matter how these spots appear, they do not indicate that the egg is fertile. Both types of spots are harmless and completely safe to eat. If you still find them unappealing, you can easily remove them with the tip of a knife after cracking the egg.

Understanding the nature of red spots in eggs can help reduce unease and ensure that you approach cooking with eggs in a more relaxed and informed manner. Whether you discover a blood spot or a meat spot, it's perfectly normal, and your eggs are safe to consume.