If you plan to make an omelet, then making sure that you are able to handle the eggs properly should be considered in order to ensure its safety. Continue reading to learn more about handling the eggs when making omelet!
Are you wondering how to make that perfect omelet that is not just delicious but safe to last as well? If yes, then you’re in the right place! The key to having a safe omelet is the proper handling of eggs. Of course, known to be the main ingredient of this dish, you should carefully deal with the eggs.
But first, what is omelet? Well, it is merely a fried egg that could be served plain or might be added with some meat and vegetables. Most common or favourite fillings for an omelet include chives, cheese, minced meat and mushroom. And this dish originally came from France around the 16th century.
These days, there are numbers of versions of the omelet all over the world. In fact, in Iran, it is referred to as nargesi or spinach omelet. In Italia, it is frittata and Omeleta in Greek. Tamagoyaki is the term used by Japanese for an omelet. Definitely, an omelet is loved by many all over the world.
How to Make an Omelet?
Yes, there could be more than one way when making omelets, and many ingredients could be used for filling as well. Before dealing with proper means of egg handling to keep the omelet safe, let us first learn the basics. And that is how to make an omelet.
So, what would you need if you will make this recipe? Well, just prepare the following:
And here are the easy and simple steps you can follow:
1. The first thing to do is to beat the eggs along with water that is safe to drink, pepper and salt in a small bowl up until blended.
2. Next, heat the butter in seven to ten inches nonstick omelet skillet or pan over medium to high heat until hot. You have to tilt the pan to coat its bottom. Then, pour in the egg mixture wherein it should set at the edges immediately.
3. Now, it is essential that you gently push the cooked portions from the sides toward the centre with the inverted turner in order for the uncooked eggs to reach the hot pan surface. Merely continue cooking, then tilting the pan and moving the cooked portions gently and as needed.
4. Finally, if the top surface of the eggs is thickened and once there is no visible liquid egg at all, put the filling on one side of the omelet. You will now fold the omelet in half with turner and with a quick flip of your wrist, turn the pan and slide or invert the omelet on the plate. You should serve it immediately.
There you have it! Omelet making could be as easy as that through following those simple steps above. You can enjoy the said dish right after transferring it from the pan to a plate!
How to Handle Eggs to Keep Omelets Safe?
Now that you’ve learned the necessary steps on how to make an omelet, stressing on the importance of handling the eggs properly is said to be crucial. You should beware of the fact that omelets might last for almost three to four days, if and only if, eggs are correctly handled.
So, in this section, let us tackle the right way of handling eggs for food safety, particularly for your favourite omelet.
Cleanliness matters a lot. It is crucial to follow the fundamental rules of sanitation as well as proper hygiene once preparing eggs and other egg products. You should wash your hands before and after every egg preparation. Once preparing various foods, aside from omelet, your hands must be washed meticulously after preparing each food item as for avoiding possible bacteria from a particular food to another.
What about egg contamination?
Indeed, there is a little chance or risk of eggs being dirtied with harmful bacteria that might as well cause any illness. The possibility of becoming ill out of consuming eggs would be no higher than that any other perishable food.
In fact, a little percentage only of eggs might be contaminated with the so-called salmonella bacteria. Nevertheless, though it offers a low risk, it is still essential to cook eggs to proper doneness ensuring safety. The right way of cooking will kill the salmonella bacteria to those eggs that might have it.
On the other hand, the eggshell might contain different types of bacteria or dirt. In such case, eggs must be thoroughly washed prior to selling them to consumers. And this is definitely observed in the United States. After sanitizing, the eggs are provided with a light spray of mineral oil to coat the shell, and so replacing the natural protective coating which was lost during the washing.
In a case wherein eggs are contaminated with the said salmonella bacteria, it is more likely found in the white, and it couldn’t thrive due to lack of nutrients. The white is considered as an alkaline substance that also discourages the growth of the bacteria. This egg white acts as the natural protection for the yolk, therefore, preventing the bacteria from entering the yolk and thriving in the nutrient-rich environment. As the egg ages, the white thins out making it a lot easier for the bacteria to reach the yolk.
And of course, refrigeration might slow down the growth of the bacteria, that’s why it is indeed crucial that you store the eggs properly. You shouldn’t use eggs that are leaking, cracked, or those stuck at the bottom of the carton. Though there is no visible crack, an egg that is held in the box might indicate leakage so it must not be used at all.
Tips on Handling Eggs for Food Safety
Here are some of the tips that you can consider when it comes to handling eggs for food safety:
Begin with a clean utensil and area to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
You shouldn’t purchase cracked eggs. Once eggs are crack after purchase, you should break them into a clean container and cover and keep them refrigerated. Use them within two days only. Eggs are considered safe once they crack during hard cooking.
Wash your hands, equipment, utensils and work surfaces thoroughly in soapy and hot water for about 20 seconds prior and after contact with the food. You can use plastic and even other non-porous cutting boards to guard against bacteria from surviving in pores. Clean the cutting boards after using in the dishwasher or by merely washing with soap and hot water. Or for further protection, you can sanitize the boards with a bleach-like solution.
You shouldn’t remove the eggs before using them. They are already washed and sanitized before packing, so incorrect way of washing them at home might lead to contamination.
It is recommended to use wash clothes or paper towels to clean the kitchen surface.
In order to prevent cross-contamination, it is best to wash your hands after preparing each food item, or after using the bathroom, contacting with body fluids, changing diapers or handling pets.
Of course, you should resist the urge to taste mixtures with eggs such as cake batter or cookie dough before they cook.
Additional Information to Consider About Egg Contamination
And for additional information that you might be aware of to avoid egg contamination, consider the following:
It is advised that you shouldn’t separate the egg whites and yolks by splitting open the eggshell and passing the contents in between the two shell halves. The egg could be contaminated once bacteria are present on the shell. The bacteria might be present on the shell even after it is being cleaned and the shell could also be contaminated from some other food sources.
After breaking the egg to be used for your omelet recipe, do not use the two halves of the shell for removing the bits of the shell which might have dropped to the mixture.
The said cross-contamination issue could happen once the bacteria are transferred from food to another, from contaminated utensil to food or even from people to the food.
There is only a low number of incidents with regards to people being infected from salmonella, and that is because of the better quality control measures which are used on the farm, or in the processing facilities and of course during the shipment to the food stores.
Indeed, there should be an increased awareness regarding proper food handling procedures.
Health Benefits of Omelet
And at this juncture, since we’ve gathered the right information about making omelets and handling the eggs properly for a safe dish, why not consider learning the health benefits that we could gain out of consuming or eating an omelet, especially during breakfasts? So, here we go!
Omelet is deemed to be a good source of energy. Most athletes are used to eating omelet as breakfast because it would give them lots of extra energy before their practice.
It is also a great protein source. An egg is considered to be one of the primary sources of protein, particularly for bodybuilders. In fact, bodybuilders would never miss this dish knowing that the protein inside is perfect for muscle development.
Omelets are rich in vitamins too. Eggs offer various types of vitamins, so by simply eating omelet every morning, you’ll get vitamin E, D, B, A and K.
You can have strong bones with consuming omelets. The amount of calcium provided by this dish will maintain the bones healthy and strong. It will also let you avoid from any bone-related diseases.
If you eat omelet every day, you will get a good blood circulation. Omelet has an iron that is playing a crucial role for blood and circulation too. You’ll definitely be safe from any blood-related diseases.
Also, omelet could set you into a good mood for the entire day because it has magnesium helping the body to be relaxed and set the nerves to a calmer state.
Since omelet has phosphorus, it aids the body to get rid over the bad bacteria as well as viruses out from the body system. With that, our body will also gain more immunity.
Omelet will also help in maintaining good nerves system and the amount of fluid in one’s body too. Aside from increasing the body’s immunity, it also prevents human health degeneration.
Consuming omelet during breakfasts can also improve brain development. The yolk contains carotenoids for vision and eye wellness.
You will also strengthen your hair, skin and nails health. It has an excellent amount of Vitamin B-complex enough to improve the health of your skin, nails and hair. The nails and hair will grow strong and soft, and the skin will be a lot smoother.
With these benefits, you will definitely not ignore omelet once served on the table, am I right? Perhaps, you will consider having one almost all the time. However, being aware of the fact that too much could also offer negative results, consuming omelet should also be based on how much your body could tolerate.
Conclusion
So, you are planning to include omelet in your daily breakfast food list now, am I right? If yes, the first thing to ever consider is the vital role of the eggs and so handling them appropriately will lead to omelet safety too. You don’t want your omelet to go bad quickly, right? That’s why you should deal with the main ingredient as careful as possible. And that is the egg, of course!
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