Organization

The Easter Egg Experience
by Rachel Webb

We can thank the Germans for the American tradition of Easter baskets and for the idea of coloring and hiding easter eggs. This tradition was brought to America by German immigrants in the later 19th century. German children found hidden eggs in their shoes and in baskets.

Decorated eggs are a fun part of Easter for many families but they can also harbor bacteria if they are not cooked properly and hidden safely during Easter Egg hunts. Parents can help their children have a safe easter egg experience by following these five guidelines, set forth by the The American Egg Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

1) Never eat decorated Easter eggs if they have been out of the fridge for more than 2 hours - even if they have been hard boiled!

2) Always check eggs for cracks before buying them. Breaks in the shell can allow bacteria to enter.

3) Parents should make sure that they are hiding eggs in safe places where the porous egg shells will not come into contact with pets, lawn chemicals, fertilizer, insects, birds or other animals that are potential sources for bacteria.

4) Boiled eggs should be thoroughly cooked (Boiled 12 - 15 minutes) and them emmersed in cool water to stop the cooking process. This method will make the shell easito remove and keep the dark circles form forming around the yolk.

5) You can store eggs up to one month if they are raw but hard boiled eggs for no longer than one week. Eggs will stay fresh longer if they are stored in the refrigerator covered and will help them not to absorb odors through the shell.

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