Are Your Eggs Ready for Poaching?
When it comes to poaching the perfect egg, whether you’re crafting a classic Eggs Benedict, topping a slice of avocado toast, or simply elevating breakfast, starting with the right eggs makes all the difference. Freshly cracked Pete & Gerry’s Eggs give you that ideal balance of firm whites and rich, golden yolks that hold together beautifully in the pot. Follow the steps below and you’ll be well on your way to a poached egg that looks as good as it tastes.
Freshness is Key to a Perfect Poached Egg
The first and biggest contributing factor to successfully poaching an egg is how fresh that egg is. When you crack open your egg, you should see a yolk that stands roughly centered in the egg and an egg white (called the albumen) that holds tight around it. This consistency of a fresh egg is what allows that classic round poached shape.
There are two quick and tested methods for identifying the freshness of your eggs.
The Water Float Test
Fill a large bowl with cold water. Place your egg or eggs in the bowl and watch them for buoyancy. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom of the bowl. Older eggs may tilt in the water or float.
| Water Float Test Outcome | What It Means | Poaching Suitability |
| 1. Egg sinks & stays flat | Very fresh | Ideal for poaching |
| 2. Egg tilts upright | Older, but usable | May spread slightly |
| 3. Egg floats | Too old | Not recommended |
The Spin Test
Lie the egg on a flat surface. Spin the egg and note how it moves. A fresh egg will spin quickly and smoothly. An older egg wobbles as it spins slowly.
Ideal Egg Size for Poaching
For poached eggs, large eggs are the sweet spot. They balance white volume with yolk size for a classic, rounded shape, and are the size most recipes are based around. [2]
Depending on your preference, medium and extra-large or jumbo eggs work as well. Just note that a medium egg will have a smaller yolk for a less dramatic presentation when you cut into the final product, while extra-large eggs can often have more white, making them trickier to control. [2]
| US Egg Size | Weight Range | Poaching Outcome |
| Medium | 49–56 g | Smaller yolk, compact poach |
| Large | 57–63 g | Best balance, classic shape |
| Extra-Large | 64–69 g | More spread, trickier to control |
While large eggs are the standard for many recipes and a sweet spot for yolk and albumen ratio, pick the eggs you like the most and adjust your poaching time accordingly.
Why Pete & Gerry’s Eggs Deliver the Preferred Poaching Results
Eggs may be humble, but anyone who has poached a dozen knows: not all eggs behave the same. Shell strength, yolk size, and freshness all shape the results. At Pete & Gerry’s, we’ve made it our mission to give home cooks and chefs alike the best chance at poached perfection thanks to our farming practices and careful handling. Whether you choose Pete & Gerry’s Pasture Raised, Organic Pasture Raised Eggs, or Organic Free Range Eggs, you’re picking the star of your next poached egg dish. Below we take a look at why these Pete & Gerry’s options shine.
Consistent Shell Thickness and Membrane Strength
Shell & membrane strength keep the white contained. Research shows that stronger shells and membranes resist leakage under heat and pressure. [1] Sturdy shells, such as what you’ll find with Pete & Gerry’s egg options, give you the best chance at a perfect poach. [5]
Interior content vs. shell weight matters. As eggs get bigger, shell weight rises disproportionately, sometimes reducing the yolk-to-white ratio. [2] In addition to those sturdy shells that protect their contents, Pete & Gerry’s eggs have nutrient-dense and vibrant yolks and well-balanced whites you’re looking for in that classic poach. [5]
At Pete & Gerry’s, our eggs come from hens that are raised on Certified Humane® family farms with high-quality feed and outdoor access. [6] These practices support natural variation in shell strength and yolk color, which may influence how eggs perform in cooking. But don’t just take our word for it! Grab a carton of your favorite Pete & Gerry’s Eggs and try out our recipe for the Perfect Poached Eggs.
Balanced Nutrition
Each large Pete & Gerry’s organic egg provides about 6g protein and 5g fat, plus essential vitamins and minerals. They also provide all nine essential amino acids, which together make eggs a source of complete protein. [4] These nine essential amino acids are:
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
With the body unable to produce them itself, bringing these nine essential amino acids into your diet is just as essential as their name suggests. With Pete & Gerry’s eggs, you’ve got a great package for that complete protein as part of your healthy diet. [4]
Flavor & Ethics Aligned: Another Value of Premium Organic Eggs
Research has shown that factors like feed and outdoor access can influence egg nutrient composition, sometimes leading to differences in omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids. [3] Pete & Gerry’s eggs are produced on family farms that follow ethical practices and prioritize animal welfare. [6] The result? Eggs with distinctive golden yolk color and rich flavor.
What About Frying and Other Egg Uses?
For frying, slightly older eggs are often preferred in professional kitchens. As the egg ages, albumen viscosity decreases, allowing whites to spread less and crisp more easily.
Helpful Tips for Choosing the Right Egg for the Right Dish
- Poaching → For the reasons noted above, we recommend large, fresh Pete & Gerry’s Organic eggs.
- Frying → Slightly older eggs’ albumen decreases in viscosity, allowing whites to spread less and crisp more easily.
- Baking → Large eggs are an industry standard; use them unless the recipe says otherwise to ensure correct ingredient ratios.
- Scrambling & Omelets → Any size; organic, free-range, or pasture raised can add richer flavor and color.
Pete & Gerry’s eggs are a great option for all egg preparations. [5] [6]
Conclusion: Time to Start that Perfect Poach!
As we explored, a picture-perfect poached egg comes down to freshness, size, and quality. Pete & Gerry’s eggs are a great option to meet those needs. With balanced protein and fat, and rich, flavorful yolks, they set you up for success whether you’re making brunch for a crowd or treating yourself to a quiet breakfast.
By choosing eggs from family farms committed to ethical, sustainable practices, you’re not only giving yourself the best chance at that classic round poach, you’re supporting a food system that values the environment and animal welfare along with flavor and nutrition. [6] So grab a carton of Pete & Gerry’s eggs, warm up the water, and get ready to enjoy your poached eggs success!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I tell if my eggs are fresh enough for poaching?
A: Try the float test—fresh eggs sink, while older eggs float. For poaching, fresher is better.
Q: Do shell color differences (brown vs. white) affect poaching?
A: No. Shell color is breed-specific and does not impact cooking behavior. Freshness and shell quality are the most important attributes.
Q: Why do some eggs spread more in water?
A: Thinner albumen in older or lower-quality eggs disperses quickly. Stronger, fresher whites cling to the yolk.
Q: Are organic eggs really nutritionally different?
A: Some studies suggest that hens with pasture access and organic feed may lay eggs with higher omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids in the yolk. [3] With Pete & Gerry’s, those benefits come from Certified Humane care on family farms. [6]
References
[1] Solomon, 2010. The Eggshell: Strength, Structure, and Function. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00071668.2010.497296
[2] Food Science Institute. How Large Are Your Eggs? https://foodscienceinstitute.com/2018/09/27/how-large-are-your-eggs/
[3] Karsten et al., 2010. Vitamins A, E and Fatty Acid Composition of the Eggs of Caged Hens and Pastured Hens. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/renewable-agriculture-and-food-systems/article/abs/vitamins-a-e-and-fatty-acid-composition-of-the-eggs-of-caged-hens-and-pastured-hens/552BA04E5A9E3CD7E49E405B339ECA32
[4] Pete & Gerry’s. How Much Protein in an Egg? https://www.peteandgerrys.com/blogs/field-notes/how-many-grams-protein-egg
[5] Pete & Gerry’s. Meet Pete & Gerry’s Pasture-Raised Eggs. https://www.peteandgerrys.com/blogs/field-notes/introducing-pete-and-gerrys-pasture-raised-eggs
[6] Pete & Gerry’s. Our Farms / Certified Humane Practices. https://www.peteandgerrys.com/pages/our-farms
