GB2334426A - A package and method for cooking deshelled raw eggs - Google Patents

Abstract

A pre-packaged fresh food contains de-shelled raw egg 202, either with or without additives, enclosed within a plastics derived package 201 that is suitable for cooking in a heated environment such as a saucepan of boiling water (Fig 3, not shown). Said package 201 is preferably transparent and flexible at room and normal refrigeration temperatures. It may be of a substantially planar shape, e.g. square (Fig. 2A) or circular (Fig. 2B, not shown), or it may be of a customized shape such as an animal, dinosaur figure or cartoon character (Fig. 2C, not shown). The package can be used to extend the shelf-life of the raw egg by incorporating a small amount of nitrogen gas or, alternatively, it may be partially evacuated. The inner surface of the package may have a non-stick coating. The packages should preferably contain a date stamp and/or barcode. The package is preferably operable as a boil in the bag package when placed in a heated cooking environment and may also have an attached string 213 to facilitate its removal after cooking. A plurality of individual packages of de-shelled raw egg may be joined by perforated regions (505) to produce an assembly (501) which can be easily incorporated in secondary packaging such as a box. Alternatively, the individual packages may be placed in individual tray portions and then incorporated in the secondary packaging (Fig. 6, not shown).

Description

PACKAGING EGGS AND A METHOD OF COOKING PACKAGED DE-SHELLED EGGS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to packaging eggs and a method of cooking packaged de-shelled eggs and in particular relates to packaging and cooking deshelled eggs which are substantially intact.

Background to the Invention Traditionally eggs for consumption by humans are produced at a hatcheries located on a farm. In most countries throughout the developed world, eggs generally consumed by humans are derived from hens and these eggs typically come in small, mediurn or large sizes. Other eggs may be consumed by humans such as for example duck eggs etc. Typically eggs produced on a farm are required to be sent to a factory for packaging. Known forms of packaging include a cardboard box configured for holding a plurality of eggs, typically 6 or 12 for example and a cardboard tray which typically configured to hold holding a greater number of eggs. A known form of packaging for transporting eggs is illustrated in Fig. 1 wherein a cardboard box 101 comprises a tray-like portion 102 for holding eggs and a lid 103 for ensuring that eggs in tray 102 remain in position. Lid 103 has a catch 104 for attachment to a suitable catch attachment means 105 located on tray 102. Tray 102 comprises a plurality of orifices 106, 107 etc for locating eggs such as eggs 108 and 109 respectively. A container of this kind is generally known as "an egg box". These prior art systems for packaging have a disadvantage in that eggs are packaged in their natural state, that is in substantially the same state as when first laid. Typically eggs from hens and ducks etc have relatively fragile shells which are prone to breaking during transportation. In particular, packaging of the type described is less than ideal in that the eggs are prone to breaking during transportation and this is especially the case for certain applications, such as for example military maneuvers and dropping a consignment of eggs from the air. Altemative methods of packaging eggs are known such as for example cooking eggs followed by drying and powdering, whereafter said powder is stored in a suitable container. This latter method has the disadvantage of not providing a fresh food by which it is meant that various nutrients may be lost during processing.

A further problem associated with fresh eggs deliverable to customers in their natural state relates to health and safety considerations wherein it is increasingly desirable to be able to identify an egg or a particular batch of eggs by for example use of a bar code as is commonly used with other food products in the food industry. Placing bar code or a date stamp for example on an egg shell is apparently still a problem or at the very least incorporates additional specially developed machinery.

Further problems with packaged conventional fresh eggs in shells exist such as for example a natural state egg being difficult to prepare and handle during cooking Thus, an egg in its shell must first be cracked and the egg placed in a suitable cooking container. This typically may introduce egg shell into the egg or egg related food being cooked. Additionally, people having reduced maneuverability with respect to activities such as cooking may find preparing and cooking an egg in this way to be particularly difficult, if not impossible.

Yet another problem associated with eggs packaged as described above, relates to the desirability of the eggs being stored below a certain temperature.

This generally requires refrigeration means to be employed, which due to the expense of refrigeration space, may render eggs to be more expensive than necessary or may encourage correct refrigeration procedures to be ignored for example.

Thus, there is a need for improved packaging for eggs or foods containing raw eggs as the principle ingredient and there is a need for an improved method with respect to handling of eggs during cooking of or the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prepackaged fresh food containing de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient, wherein the package is configured to be placed in a heated environment for cooking the food.

Preferably, the package is both disposable and transparent.

In a preferred embodiment, the package contains nitrogen gas and suitably may be partially evacuated.

The package may be operable as a boil in the bag and the package is preferably substantially flexible at room temperature and is suitably configured as a substantially planar shape. Preferably, the planar shape is substantially square or circular. Altematively, the package may be configured to resemble a figure, such as an animal, cartoon character or dinosaur.

Preferably the package has an internal surface coated with a non-stick material and preferably the package has a string attached for removal of the package from boiling water.

In the further preferred embodiment, the package may suitably comprise a date stamp and/or bar code.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cooking pre-packaged fresh food containing de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient, the package being configured to be placed in a heated cooking environment, the method comprising the steps of: applying heat to the package containing the food; removing the package from the applied heat; and removing the food from the package.

Preferably the package is disposable and preferably the package is substantially flexible at room temperature. Suitably the package is a substantially planar shape. The shape is preferably substantially circular or substantially square. Altematively the shape may be substantially the shape of a figure such as a cartoon character, dinosaur or animal.

The package may be partially evacuated and suitably may contain nitrogen gas.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging having a customized shape configured to contain a food having deshelled raw egg as the primary ingredient, the packaging comprising a sealed envelope encapsulating the food, wherein the packaging is configured to be placed in a heated environment for cooking the food.

Preferably the shape of the packaging is substantially planar and suitably the shape is substantially circular or substantially square. Altematively the shape may be substantially the shape of a figure such as a cartoon character, dinosaur or animal.

Preferably the packaging comprises a non-stick internal surface and preferably the intemal surface comprises a Teflon based material. Furthermore, the packaging is preferably substantially transparent and suitably has a string attached to it the string being configured to aid extraction of the package from a pan of boiling water. Preferably, the packaging contains nitrogen gas and may be partially evacuated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a boil in the bag de-shelled raw egg.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a plurality of boil in the bag de-shelled raw eggs, wherein said plurality of bags are attached to each other by means configured for ready detachment.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be canied into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C schematically illustrate in accordance with the present invention, preferred embodiments relating to pre-packaged de-shelled raw eggs or food primarily comprising de-shelled raw egg; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a method and apparatus for cooking a prepackaged de-shelled raw egg of the type identified in Fig. 2A; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a process for pre-packaging an egg in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the preferred embodiment for packaging a plurality of de-shelled eggs of the type identified in Fig. 2A; and Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment for packaging a plurality of de-shelled raw eggs of any of the types identified in Figs. 2A to 2C.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Eggs consumed by humans are eggs laid by hens or ducks for example.

An egg typically comprises a shell having an inner membrane and an egg may be considered to have a top end and a bottom end. It is known that at the top end of an egg an air pocket exists between the membrane and the egg shell. Within the membrane the egg yolk and egg white (or egg albumen) exists and the egg yolk is attached to the egg shell by a structure which substantially attaches to a further membrane enveloping the yolk. Unlike many foods, eggs are generally supplied to a consumer in their fresh state. By fresh state it is meant that the egg yolk and whites are generally not frozen nor dried. In the case of fish for example, the food is generally frozen and in the case of many starch-based materials such as rice, the food is generally supplied in dried form. Because consumers generally require eggs to be supplied in their fresh state, eggs represent an unusual food source in terms of methods which may be employed to package and cook them.

With respect to foods such as fish and rice, it is known to supply these foods in what are generally known as "boil in the bag" packaging. In the case of fish, boil in the bag fish is supplied in its frozen state, frequently with a sauce. In the case of starch-based materials it is also known to use boil in the bag technology, such as is disclosed for example in European patent publication 0687422, which is particularly related to packaging dumplings in a boil in the bag. In the case of packaging and cooking eggs, the technology employed has remained substantially the same over the past 100 years or so, if not longer, the technology generally employing egg boxes for packaging the eggs and conventional cooking equipment for cooking eggs. The fact that technology with respect to packaging and cooking eggs has remained relatively unchanged is considered to be indicative that technology relating to packaging and cooking eggs is to be considered substantially unrelated to that found in the remainder of the food industry.

Fig. 2A schematically illustrates a pre-packaged food in accordance with the present invention and represents a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment, package 201 comprises a polymeric or plastics based bag configured to be placed in a heated environment for cooking food contained therein. The material the bag is made of is not to be considered restricted to plastics or polymeric based materials and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other materials may be used such as for example "foil" type materials commonly used in the drinks and snacks industries. Furthermore, package 201 is preferably substantially flexible at room temperature and normal refrigeration temperatures. However, other embodiments of package 201 may be suitable for particular applications and in particular a substantially rigid material forming a "box-like" package may be configured. Packaging 201 may be considered to be a bag commonly known as a "boil in the bag". Food 202 is prepackaged in package 201, the food containing de-shelled raw egg as either the sole or primary ingredient. Food 202 may be solely comprised of a de-shelled raw egg, such as for example a hen egg. Altematively food 202 may comprise an egg together with relatively minor additives such as salt and pepper or other condiments for example. Added ingredients may also include for example a small amount of grated cheese, milk and the like. The egg 202 may be substantially intact, having an undisturbed central yolk 203 surrounded by clear egg white (egg albumen) 204. Package 201 is effectively a three dimensional envelope encapsulating food 202. In the preferred embodiment package 201 is substantially planar enabling it to contain de-shelled raw egg which is in itself a substantially planar structure when placed on a surface. Thus edges 205, 206, 207 and 208 of upper surface 209 horizontal flat are substantially greater in length than vertical edges such as edges 210, 211 and 212. A substantially planar package is preferred due to the fact that human consumers are accustomed to eating eggs or egg based foods (for example omelettes) which are substantially planar themselves. In the particular embodiment shown, surface 209 is substantially symmetrical and furthermore is substantially square shaped, this being suitable for placing within sandwiches which may frequently be made from relatively square slices of bread. The embodiment shown incorporates a further preferable feature 213 which is a string attached to edge surface 214 for facilitating removal of package 201 from a heated cooking environment.

Fig. 2B schematically illustrates, in accordance with the present invention, a second preferred embodiment of a pre-packaged food containing de-shelled raw egg 214 as the primary ingredient. Package 213 is substantially disc shaped having circularly shaped lower and upper surfaces 215 and 216 respectively.

Edge 217 is substantially transverse to edges 215 and 216 and has a width which is substantially less than the diameter of surface 206. Package 213 is advantageous for producing cooked egg or a cooked food primarily comprising cooked egg, which may be conveniently placed upon a circular piece of bread.

Circular pieces of bread (known for example as baps, bread cakes or burger buns) are commonly used for example in take-away restaurant chains for placing around eggs, beef burgers and the like. Package 201 however has advantages over package 213 in that being substantially square shaped, it is functionally optimal in terms of packaging many such packages in close proximity.

Fig. 2C illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the present invention relating to a pre-packaged food containing de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient. In this embodiment, package 218 is configured to be substantially the shape of a "teddy bear". Package 218 contains a de-shelled raw egg 219 and may contain other minor ingredients. In accordance with the present invention, a wide variety of shapes are possible for package 218, the shape of the packaging, that is a customized shape, being a matter of usage and marketing strategy for example. Package 218 has advantages over packages 201 and 213 in certain environments in that it may be aimed, for example, at children, possibly in hospital, who may require encouragement to eat certain substantial foods such as egg based foods. Thus, upon cooking, the de-shelled raw egg or food having de-shelled raw egg as a primary ingredient, takes up the shape of the package in which it is placed. In this way, the child may therefore be served an egg which is substantially the shape of a figure, such as a teddy bear, a cartoon character or an animal such as a bear or dinosaur for example.

In the preferred embodiment, the packages such as packages 201, 213 and 218 are preferably clear so as to enable a person cooking the food enclosed therein to be able to determine when the enclosed food is cooked properly.

However, they may also be configured to include printed material printed on the package or labels placed thereon; such printed material or labels may include a product name, logo or picture for example. The packages are also preferably disposable once cooking is complete.

In a further preferred embodiment packages 201, 213 and 218 may also comprise a date stamp and a bar code such a date stamp 220 and bar code 221 present on package 201. This is a particular advantage of the present invention with respect to egg packaging in that there is apparently still a problem with respect to date stamping and incorporating a bar code on eggs which are in their natural (in-shell) state. Provision of date stamping and a bar code is preferable with eggs in the present social economic climate wherein contaminated eggs causing salmonella for example are difficult to relate to a particular farm or distributor in certain circumstances. Additionally, since an individual egg still in its shell does not generally comprise a use-by date such as date 220 then it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a particular egg is suitable (or in fact dangerous) for eating. In essence, then the invention includes a packaging having a customized shape configured to contain a food having de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient, the packaging comprising a sealed envelope encapsulating the food wherein the packaging is configured to be placed in a heated environment for cooking the food. Preferably a package used in accordance with the present invention should be made of a food gradable material, that is a material which does not degrade in any way during cooking or more specifically is not harmful to humans if consumed thereafter. Furthermore, the packaging material should be resistant to heat and specifically resistant to temperatures commonly utilized in cooking methods used in conventional domestic or commercial kitchens. Thus for example packages of the kind described should be able to withstand boiling water for a length of time substantially greater than that commonly required to boil an egg. Similarly, the packages should be configurable to be used in a conventional microwave oven, under a grill or in a conventional oven.

A further advantage of pre-packaging food containing de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient is that the shelf life of eggs may be extended. In particular, the shelf life may be extended by incorporating a small amount of nitrogen gas in any one given package. Similarly, partial evacuation of a given package may be considered preferable for certain applications. In a further preferred embodiment, a packaging usable in accordance with the present invention is preferably coated with a non-stick material on its intemal surface so as to facilitate removal of the food contained therein and also to prevent food sticking in any one particular location within a given package. A suitable non-stick method is for example Teflon.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a method and apparatus for cooking a prepackaged food of the type identified in Fig. 2A, the pre-packaged food containing de-shelled raw egg as a primary ingredient. The pre-packaged food 301 may be configured as any of the shapes identified in Figs. 2A to 2C for example. A consumer obtains a pre-packaged food of this type from a suitable retail outlet such as a supermarket. Altematively, pre-packaged foods of the type identified may be purchased in bulk from w wholesaler by a large establishment such as a hospital, a fast food chain store or a school, etc. Particular preferences with respect to cooking pre-packaged food, may determine the exact nature of the method of cooking pre-packaged food of the type identified. In the present example illustrated in Fig. 3, a person cooking pre-packaged food 301 may select a conventional sauce pan 302 into which water 303 is boiling due to the water having been heated for several minutes. Following water 303 effectively coming to the boil, pre-packaged food 301 is placed in saucepan 302. In the example, saucepan 302 is placed on a conventional heat source, such as an electric or gas heated hob 304 of a domestic or commercial oven 305. Alternatively prepackaged food 301 may be placed in a microwave oven, on a grill, or in a kettle for example. Pre-packaged food 301 is then left in boiling water 303 for approximately 4 minutes or until the operator determines that pre-packaged food 301 is cooked sufficiently. Upon pre-packaged food 301 becoming cooked, the operator may withdraw pre-packaged food 301 by grasping a string 306 attached to package 301 above and effectively lifting pre-packaged food 301 out of boiling water 303. Thus in this way, pre-packaged food 301 may be transferred to a work surface whereafter the food within the package may be extracted and served as a meal.

Pre-packaged food of the type identified in Figs. 2A to 2C and Fig. 3, may be created by the process identified in Fig. 4. At step 401 the process "pre package food" is effectively started. Following step 401, at step 402 one or more pre-washed eggs are selected from store whereafter at step 403 a sterile package for pre-packing is selected. The sterile package may be selected from a range of shaped packages of the type illustrates in Fig. 2 and the selection may also depend on the size of the particular egg (or eggs) selected for example.

Following step 403, in step 404 the shell of the egg (or eggs) selected at step 402 is cracked and the contents (comprising yolk and egg white) are transferred into the package selected at step 403. Following step 404 a question is asked at step 405 as to whether the egg requires further processing. If this question is asked in the affirmative to the effect that further processing is required then further processing is effected at step 406. Further processing may comprise one or more of for example: adding condiments such as salt and pepper, adding preservatives, adding extra food stuffs, or whisking the egg, etc. Following step 406 or if step 405 in answered in the negative, at step 407 a further question is asked as to whether the gas content of the selected package requires modification. If this question is answered in the affirmative then the gas contents are modified as required at step 408. Thus for example it may be desirable to add a small amount of nitrogen gas to aid preservation of the food contents. It may also be desirable to remove some or all of the air content or alternatively it may desirable to add some nitrogen gas and remove some air. The exact nature of the gas modification may vary in that it may depend upon particulaar requirements of specific customers. Following step 408 or if the question asked at step 407 is answered in the negative then control is passed to step 409 wherein the package selected at step 403 is sealed. Following step 409 a date stamp and bar code are preferably added to the package as indicated at step 4102 Following step 410 the package may be placed in an outer packaging box as indicated at step 411. Following step 411, at step 412 a question is asked as to whether the outer packaging has been filled. If this question is answered in the affirmative to the effect that the packaging box is full, then control is passed to step 413 wherein the box of packages is effectively stored ready for distribution.

However, if the question asked at step 412 is answered in the negative then control is returned to step 402 and the next pre-washed egg (or eggs) is selected from store and steps 402 to 412 are repeated. Following step 413 a further question is asked at step 414 as to whether more boxes of packages are required. If this question is answered in the affirmative then control is passed to step 402 wherein the next pre-washed egg (or eggs) is selected from store.

However, if the question asked at step 414 is answered in the negative to the effect that no more boxes of packages are required then the process for prepackaging food started at step 401 is effectively terminated at step 415.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a further preferred embodiment of prepackaged food containing de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient. A plurality of packages of the type identified in Figs. 2 and 3 may effectively be connected to form an assembly 501. Assembly 501 comprises a plurality of packages 502, 503 and 504, etc. The packages may be arranged in rows or columns, or as illustrated, as rows and columns and are attached to each other by perforated regions of the packaging medium. Thus for example packages 502 and 504 are connected by perforated region 505 and packages 502 and 503 are connected by perforated region 506. Perforated regions 505 and 506 are effectively a plastics weld region enabling adjacent packets to be separated by a consumer simply by tearing along perforated regions. Whatever method is employed regions such as 505 and 506 comprise a structural arrangement which facilitates a user to separate neighboring packages. Assembly 501 may be assembled from two pieces of suitable packaging material, piece 507 forming the base of assembly 501 and piece 508 forming the upper surface of assembly 501.

A machine may be employed to place food upon base surface 507 and lay down upper surface 508 whereafter perforated portions such as regions 505 and 506 are created by a heated element brought down to weld surfaces 507 and 508 together along said perforated regions and along the edges of assembly 501.

Assembly 501 is a preferred embodiment in that a consumer may purchase a batch of pre-packaged food and simply "tear off" pre-packaged food packages 502, 503, etc as required. Following creation of assembly 501 comprising a plurality of boil in the bag de-shelled raw eggs, wherein the plurality of bags are attached to each other by means configured for ready detachment. Assembly 501 may be incorporated into secondary packaging such as a cardboard box, which offers extra protection during distribution and which provides a more aesthetically pleasing product for a consumer to purchase.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an altemative embodiment for packing packages of the types identified in Figs. 2 and 3. The embodiment shown in Fig.

6 comprises a box having a tray portion 601 and a lid portion 602. Each package contained within tray portion 601, such as package 603 comprises a food containing de-shelled raw egg 604 as the primary ingredient. Packages 604, 605 and 606 are effectively separated by structural features associated with a tray portion 601, such as vertical tray ridges 607 and 608. As identified earlier, a package 604 may comprise a date stamp 609 and a bar code 610.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention as described has identified specific preferred embodiments. In general, the invention is not to be considered limited with respect to particular shapes of packaging, etc. Rather shapes of packages may take a wide variety of forms dependent upon particular usages and preferences. Furthermore, secondary packaging such as hat identified in Figs. 5 and 6 may similarly take on a variety of forms, the invention effectively facilitating a plurality of secondary packing styles to be employed.

Claims (35)

Claims:

1. A pre-packaged fresh food containing de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient, wherein said package is configured to be placed in a heated environment for cooking said food.

2. A pre-packaged food according to claim 1, wherein said package is disposable.

3. A pre-packaged food according to claims 1 or 3, wherein said package is transparent.

4. A pre-packaged food according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said package contains nitrogen gas.

5. A pre-packaged food according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said package is at least partially evacuated.

6. A pre-packaged food according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said package is operable as a boil in the bag.

7. A pre-packaged food according to claim 6, wherein said bag is substantially flexible at room temperature.

8. A pre-packaged food according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said package is configured as a substantially planar shape.

9. A pre-packaged food according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said package is a substantially square or circular planar shape.

10. A pre-packaged food according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said package is configured to resemble a figure, such as an animal, cartoon character or dinosaur.

11. A pre-packaged food according to any of the preceding claims1 wherein said package has an intemal surface coated with a non-stick material.

12. A pre-packaged food according to any of the preceding claims1 wherein said package has a string attached for removal of said package from boiling water.

13. A pre-packaged food according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said package comprises a date stamp andlor bar code.

14. A method of cooking pre-packaged fresh food containing deshelled raw egg as the primary ingredient, said package being configured to be placed in a heated cooking environment, said method comprising the steps of: applying heat to said package containing said food; removing said package from said applied heat; and removing said food from said package.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein said package is disposable.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein said package is substantially flexible.

17. A method according to claim 14,15 or 16, wherein said package is configured as a substantially planar shape.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said planar shape is substantially circular.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein said shape is substantially square.

20. A method according to claim 17, wherein said shape is substantially the shape of a figure such as a cartoon character, dinosaur or an animal.

21. A method according to any of claims 14 to 20, wherein said package is partially evacuated.

22. A method according to any of claims 14 to 21, wherein said package contains nitrogen gas.

23. A packaging having a customized shape configured to contain a food having de-shelled raw egg as the primary ingredient, said packaging comprising a sealed envelope encapsulating said food, wherein said packaging is configured to be placed in a heated environment for cooking said food.

24. A packaging according to claim 23, wherein said shape is a substantially planar shape.

25. A packaging according to claim 24, wherein said shape is substantially a circular shape.

26. A packaging according to claim 24, wherein said shape is substantially a square shape.

27. A packaging according to any of claims 23 to 26, wherein said shape is substantially a shape of a figure such as a cartoon character, dinosaur or animal.

28. A packaging according to any of claims 23 to 27, wherein said packaging comprises a non-stick intemal surface.

29. A packaging according to claim 28, wherein said non-stick intemal surface comprises a Teflon-based material.

30. A packaging according to any of claims 23 to 29, wherein said packaging is substantially transparent.

31. A packaging according to any of claims 23 to 30, wherein said packaging is attached to a string configured to aid extraction of said package from a pan of boiling water.

32. A packaging according to any of claims 23 to 31, wherein said packaging contains nitrogen gas.

33. A packaging according to any of claims 23 to 32, wherein said packing is partially evacuated.

34. A boil in the bag de-shelled raw egg.

35. A plurality of boil in the bag de-shelled raw eggs wherein said plurality of bags are attached to each other by means configured for ready detachment.