What the Numbers on Your Egg Carton Really Mean

Simple Avocado Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Paprika (optional)
  • Chopped chives or dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Hard-boil the eggs and cool them in ice water.
  2. Peel and halve the eggs lengthwise.
  3. Remove the yolks and mash them with the avocado and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
  6. Garnish with paprika or fresh herbs if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does shell color affect nutrition?
No. Brown and white eggs have essentially the same nutritional value. Shell color depends on the breed of the hen.

Are pasture-raised eggs healthier?
Pasture-raised eggs often contain somewhat higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins (such as vitamin D and vitamin E), although the exact nutritional differences vary depending on the hens’ diet and farming practices.

Can eggs be frozen?
Yes. Eggs should be removed from their shells before freezing. Egg whites freeze well. Egg yolks can also be frozen but should be mixed with a small amount of salt or sugar first to prevent them from becoming gel-like.

Bottom Line

The three-digit Julian date is simply the pack date, making it a useful way to compare freshness when shopping. Fresh eggs generally offer better cooking performance, but properly refrigerated eggs remain nutritious and safe for several weeks. Choosing eggs from a recent pack date and storing them correctly helps ensure the best quality.