🥚 How to Read Egg Shell Codes in Korea & How to Choose Fresh, Healthy Eggs

🥚 How to Read Egg Shell Codes in Korea & How to Choose Fresh, Healthy Eggs Eggs are one of the most essential ingredients in Korean kitchens. Whether it’s for gyeran-jjim (steamed eggs), gyeran-mari (rolled omelet), or a simple fried egg over rice, eggs are everywhere on our table. But when you stand in front of the egg section at a Korean mart, it can suddenly feel confusing. 👉 “Should I buy shell code number 1?” 👉 “What’s the difference between fertilized and unfertilized eggs?” 👉 “Is ‘왕란’ better than ‘특란’?” If you remember just a few key points, choosing eggs becomes very simple. Let’s break it down step by step. 😊 🥚 1. How to Read Korean Egg Shell Codes (난각번호) Since 2019, all eggs sold in Korea must have a 10-digit code printed directly on the shell. It looks something like this: MMDD + XXXXX + X Here’s what it means: 📅 ① First 4 digits – Laying Date The first four numbers indicate the month and day the egg was laid.Example:0218 → Laid on February 18 The closer the date is to today, the fresher the egg. 🏭 ② Next 5 digits – Farm Identification Number This is the unique farm code. It tells you exactly where the egg was produced. This improves transparency and food safety. 🐔 ③ Last digit – Farming Environment (MOST IMPORTANT!) This is the key number most people look at. NumberMeaningEnvironment 1️⃣ Free-range Chickens can move freely indoors & outdoors 2️⃣ Barn-raised Indoor free movement 3️⃣ Enriched cage Improved cage (0.075㎡ per chicken) 4️⃣ Conventional cage Smaller cage (0.05㎡ per chicken) 💡 Easy Way to Remember: Lower number = More freedom for the chicken. Many consumers prefer 1 or 2 because the chickens experience less stress and better living conditions. ⚠️ Important:The shell code number does not significantly change nutritional value. It mainly reflects animal welfare and farming conditions, not vitamin levels. 🥚 2. Fertilized vs. Unfertilized Eggs (유정란 vs. 무정란) 🐓 Fertilized egg (유정란) → Laid after mating with a rooster 🐔 Unfertilized egg (무정란) → Laid without mating Nutritionally? 👉 There is no major difference. Some people believe fertilized eggs are healthier, but scientific evidence shows nutritional differences are minimal. 🥚 3. Egg Sizes in Korea (왕란? 특란? 대란?) Eggs are categorized by weight: SizeWeight 🏆 왕란 (Jumbo) 68g+ ⭐ 특란 (Extra large) 60–68g 대란 (Large) 52–60g 중란 (Medium) 44–52g 소란 (Small) Under 44g These categories only indicate weight, not quality. 💡 Easy Memory Trick: “왕은 특별하다 (The king is special)”→ 왕란 > 특란 > 대란 > 중란 > 소란 If you bake often, weight consistency matters.For general cooking, 특란 or 대란 are most commonly used. 🥚 4. How to Choose Good Eggs at the Store Here’s what to check before putting eggs in your basket: ✅ 1. Clean and Uncracked ShellNo cracks, no dirt. ✅ 2. Thick, Strong ShellAvoid overly thin or fragile shells. ✅ 3. Normal Oval ShapeA proper oval shape is best. 🥚 5. How to Tell if an Egg is Fresh After Cracking When you crack the egg: ✔️ The yolk should be high and firm ✔️ The yolk color should be rich ✔️ The egg white should be thick and clear ✔️ The egg should not spread too widely If the yolk is flat and the white spreads thinly, it’s less fresh. 🥚 6. Proper Egg Storage Tips 🚫 Do NOT wash eggs before storing. The shell has a natural protective coating that prevents bacteria. Washing removes this layer. ❄️ Store in the refrigerator. 🌬 Keep away from strong-smelling foods (eggs absorb odors easily). 🧠 Bonus: Why Eggs Are So Healthy One egg contains: 15% of daily Vitamin B2 Choline (supports brain health and acetylcholine production) Vitamin D (supports bone development) Eggs are affordable, versatile, and nutritionally powerful. 🥚 Final Tip: What Should You Remember? If you remember only one thing: 👉 Check the last number of the shell code. 👉 Check the laying date. 👉 Make sure the shell is clean and uncracked. That’s it! Simple and smart egg shopping in Korea. 🛒✨ Next time you’re at the mart thinking,“Should I try shell code number 1?” Now you know exactly what it means. 🥚😊 #EggSelectionGuide #HowToChooseEggs #KoreanEggs #EggShellCode #EggLabelGuide #AnimalWelfareEggs #FreeRangeEggs #EggShoppingTips #FreshEggs #EggFreshnessTest #JumboVsLargeEggs #EggSizeGuide #FertilizedVsUnfertilized #HealthyFoodChoices #GroceryShoppingTips #FoodLabelReading #KitchenTips #FoodEducation #DailyHealth #VitaminDRich #BrainHealthyFoods #CholineBenefits #RefrigerationTips #FoodStorageGuide #SmartShopping #KoreaLifestyle #CookingBasics #EggFacts #NutritionTips #HomeCooking