Have you ever stood in the grocery store and spent several minutes trying to decide which carton of eggs to purchase? Since eggs have more than one grade, it is no wonder people can't decide on the best ones to buy for their family. Business Insider posted an article online that gives tips to help people decide on the right eggs to buy. These tips might save you some time in the store and give you the assurance that you are choosing the right eggs.

All eggs are not created equal

It might surprise some people that eggs have a grade. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given eggs a grade to coincide with their interior quality, their appearance, and condition of the shell.

You might have been just grabbing a carton of eggs without checking the grade on the carton. Perhaps this will entice you to check what's on the next carton you buy. Usually, the grade is printed in big bold letters on the top of the carton.

Eggs get one of three grades. The highest grade is AA, the middle grade is A, and the lowest grade is B. The quality is determined based on the shell, the white, the yolk, and air cells. Egg graders give customers tips on how to determine which eggs are AA, A, or B. They say while they can determine the grade based on their condition, they do not test for salmonella.

Egg grades

Egg graders suggest you look for a smooth, clean surface on the shell. In order for it to be graded AA, the shell must be smooth and clean.

An egg shell that is clean and unbroken gets an A. Eggs that receive a B grade are clean but are slightly stained and do not have a perfect shape.

The white of grade AA eggs is clear, thick, and firm. This is important to keep the yolk from moving around too much. If the white is clear but not as thick, the egg will receive a grade of A.

If the white contains blood spots and is thin and watery, it receives the lowest grade of B.

When you hold an egg in front of a bright light, you shouldn't be able to see the yolk on the inside. Those eggs are AA. If you can see a little bit of the yolk, then it receives a grade of A. If you can clearly see the york, the egg will have a B grade.

There is hardly any air in eggs when they are first laid, then air begins to accumulate. The freshest eggs have the smallest air cells of no more than 1/8 inch. They get a grade of AA. Those with up to 3/16 an inch get an A. Eggs with more than that get a B.

The above information is interesting and helpful. Know that stores will charge more for eggs of a higher grade.
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