Despite recent fluctuations inprices, eggs are agrocery store staplefor most American households.

They’re also delicious and anutritional powerhouse.

Here are a few things to keep in mind next time you’re picking up a dozen.

Shopping for eggs

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The sizes are jumbo, extra large, large, medium, and small.

You might also find “pee wee” eggs in some places.

Most recipes, unless noted otherwise, are designed to use large eggs.

bowl of uncooked eggs

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The grades in the U.S. are as follows:

Eggs are given grades based on interior and exterior assessments.

AA eggs have clean, smooth, uniform shells.

However, the term offers no information about the birds' living standards otherwise.

egg quality

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“Grass-fed chickens” eat grass, rather than grain or man-made feed.

But again, there’s no telling where or how the chickens were raised.

The term also doesn’t rule out the use of antibiotics and added hormones.

eggs grocery store shelves

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This is a great way to ensure the quality and sustainability of your eggs.

Check each shell for cracks or other signs of damage.

farmer brand of eggs

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open carton of eggs

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