How are eggs graded? We asked North Carolina egg farmer Trey Braswell of Braswell Family Farms to explain the process.

See more: 9 Fun Facts About Eggs

At Braswell Family Farms, all of our eggs go through a three-step grading process to ensure your family receives the best quality eggs.

Trey Braswell
Photo credit: Mark Stebnicki

First, eggs are cleaned, sanitized, rinsed and dried. Second, we inspect the inside through a process called “candling” to reveal any imperfections. Finally, eggs are weighed, sorted and packaged.

Grades AA and A eggs are most commonly found at the grocery. Both are near perfect with a normal shape, clean unbroken shell, minimal staining and a smaller air cell on the inside. Grade B eggs are still high quality but are used for secondary purposes like creating liquid, frozen or powdered egg products. We are always excited to share how our farm ensures you are getting the best eggs.

About the Farmer: Trey Braswell grew up working with his family at Braswell Foods in Nash County. After college, he returned to Braswell Family Farms.

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North Carolina Field & Family Spring 2026
Flip through the pages of the Spring 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, impress your guests with creative yet easy spring holiday recipes, learn how farmers face challenges planning the future of their farmland, meet some North Carolina beef producers raising the steaks, start your engines with eight reasons to visit Richmond County, get crabby with Sheri Castle’s Deviled Crab recipe and much more.

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