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For many years, I’ve broken countless eggs. Still, there’s nothing quite like a sudden surprise; a red speck appears in the yolk. You freeze in mid-morning preparation and wonder, “Is this blood? Could it be fertilized? Should I get rid of it?”
If you have had an encounter with a cracked egg and a sense of panic/curiosity, then you’re not alone. That little red speck has spooked a lot of people. But the good news is, the majority of the time, blood spots in eggs are completely safe to eat. There isn’t a baby chick inside. It’s not a bad egg. Most of the time, it’s not a danger to you.
What a Blood Spot in an Egg Really Means
First off, let’s talk about what a blood spot in an egg actually means. The official explanation is: it’s a tiny rupture in a blood vessel that occurred while the egg was forming. That is it. No hidden embryo. No fertilization magic. Just a little bit of blood from when the yolk was being released from the hen’s ovaries.
These blood spots can occur in either the yolk or in the egg white, and are relatively rare. Most commercial eggs are “candled,” which is a process where eggs are placed under bright light and inspected for imperfections such as these, but some still make their way past this inspection.
Quick Myth-Busting While We Are At It:
Myth #1: Blood spot = Fertilized egg → FALSE
Myth #2: Blood spot = Unsafe to eat → FALSE
Why Do Blood Spots Occur In Eggs?
Why do these little red dots occur in the first place?
Mostly it comes down to biology and an occasional glitch in the hen’s reproductive system. The most common reasons include:
A small blood vessel burst open during the release of the yolk.
Older hens (hens that are past their prime) are likely to produce more eggs with spots.
Stress or malnutrition.
Genetics.
Commercial egg producers sort through eggs to identify those with spots. However, due to the limitations of the sorting process, not every egg with a spot will pass through the sorting process. Backyard eggs, or eggs from small farms, are more likely to have blood spots since they are less likely to have been sorted prior to arriving at your kitchen.
Are Eggs With Blood Spots Safe To Eat?
The ultimate question people want to know is: are eggs with blood spots safe to eat?
Short Answer: Yes.
Longer Answer: Yes, as long as the egg is fresh and cooked correctly.
A blood spot is merely a cosmetic defect and does not indicate spoilage, illness, or contamination. It is still perfectly fine to consume in your omelette, scrambled eggs, cake batter, or whatever recipe you have planned.
In my own experiences, most people just scrape out the spot using the point of a spoon or knife if it makes them uncomfortable with the visual aspect. Of course, you do not have to.
If you do not like the appearance, feel free to remove it before cooking.
Blood Spots vs. Meat Spots: What Is the Difference?
Yes, the infamous “meat spot,” another bizarre egg occurrence.
While blood spots are red or dark specks from freshly broken eggs, meat spots are typically brown, tan or gray. These are formed of tissue or pigment that became lodged within the egg during its development in the oviduct.
As mentioned earlier, both blood and meat spots are entirely natural and completely safe to eat. They just look different.
When You Should Get Rid of An Egg
While a blood spot is not an issue, not all eggs are created equal. Sometimes an egg is truly bad, and it has absolutely nothing to do with red specks.
Here are when you should toss the egg:
- The egg smells bad, like sulfur or rot.
- The whites or yolks appear unusual (green, pink or black coloration).
- There is mold.
- The egg is sticky or has an unusual texture.
- It was cracked and left unrefrigerated.
If you are unsure, do the classic sniff test after cracking. That whiff will tell you whether the egg is safe or not.
Practices for Ensuring Egg Safety
To ensure the safety of your eggs right from the beginning, follow a couple of simple practices that I recommend:
Keep them refrigerated, not on the counter, especially for extended periods.
Cook eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are solidified.
Clean surfaces that contact raw eggs (such as bowls and countertops).
If you are pregnant, elderly or have an impaired immune system, only eat cooked eggs.
Some Things You May Want To Know:
Q: Does a blood spot mean the egg was fertilized?
A: No. Blood spots develop from ruptured vessels, not from fertilization.
Q: Can you eat eggs with blood spots raw?
A: The spot itself is not unsafe, however eating raw eggs carries additional risks; better to cook them.
Q: Why do I see more blood spots in farm eggs?
A: Farm eggs are more commonly not candled and may be produced by older hens, therefore, you are more likely to see them.
Do You Need To Panic If You Crack an Egg and See a Tiny Red Dot?
Absolutely Not.
A blood spot does not mean your egg has gone bad, it’s generally just a harmless, natural anomaly that occurred in the egg’s journey from hen to kitchen. Provided that the egg is fresh and cooked properly, you’re good to go.
You can choose to remove it if it bothers you visually, or cook it as-is. Your breakfast will never know the difference.
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