What is a chicken egg cuticle?
A chicken egg cuticle is a natural protective coating that is the outermost layer of the entire chicken shell. (1)
What does a chicken egg cuticle do?
seals the passage of gases and bacteria inside and outside and signals the formation of the harder calcium carbonate coating during egg formation. (1)
serves to protect and extend the life of an egg. (1)
gradually subsides on its own as a fertilized egg develops (1)
In commercial egg harvesting operations, the cuticle are easily washed off during cleaning and packaging stages. (1)
It is not uncommon for some operations to respray eggs with a mineral oil to replicate the protective properties of the bloom and cuticle. (1)
Resources
1. https://www.saudereggs.com/blog/the-different-parts-of-an-egg/
