Can you tell if an egg if good or bad by the yolk colour?
No, you cannot tell if an egg if good or bad by the yolk colour. The colour of the yolk is determined by the hen’s diet and can range from yellow to a deep orange. However, if you want to test if an egg is still good try, the float test. Place your egg in a bowl of water. If it stands upright or floats, its best to throw it away.
Do eggs raise cholesterol levels?
Eggs do contain cholesterol, but some studies have shown that eating them doesn’t significantly impact blood cholesterol levels. In fact, enjoying eggs as part of a balanced diet can help support heart health. This is because eggs can boost your in HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), often called the ‘good’ cholesterol. HDL helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream, keeping your heart healthy.
I heard eggs are quite fattening. Is that true?
Eggs are highly nutritious and contain about 280 to 331 kilojoules each. The fat content in eggs is extremely low an only about a quarter of it is the unhealthy, saturated kind. However, if you are conscious about your cholesterol intake, it’s a good idea to limit your egg yolk intake to 3-4 per week as a 50g egg contains about 200mg cholesterol.
What is the criterion for labelling an egg 'jumbo'? It seems eggs are getting smaller by the day!
A few years ago, the guidelines for egg sizes (graded by weight in grams) were updated. Small eggs now weigh more than 33g, down from the previous 35g or more, to more than 33g. Medium eggs is still at the medium weight of 43g while large eggs remain at a minimum 51g. Extra-large eggs now start at 59g while jumbo eggs continue to be 66g or larger.
I was told that brown eggs are healthier or more nutritious than white eggs. Why do eggshells differ in colour?
There is really no difference between brown or white eggs. The colour of the egg is usually affected by the breed of the chicken, its health and diet. Brown eggs may be slightly less porous than lighter ones, but the contents are exactly the same.
Some people do not store their eggs in the fridge, while I prefer to do so. What is the best or the right way?
Eggs can be stored at room temperature for about ten days and refrigerated for up to a month. We do advise on storing your eggs in the coolest part of the fridge, because of our warm climate. The egg storage areas are usually the warmest in many fridges, so make sure to stay clear of them. The best way to store eggs is in the refrigerator, in their original carton, away from strong smells.
Sometimes when I break an egg, there is a tiny red spot in the egg yolk. Should I throw the egg away? Is it fertilised or a bad egg?
No, it is usually because a blood vessel burst while the egg was still forming. It is safe to use. However, avoid using cracked or leaking eggs, because they may be become contaminated with harmful bacteria.
I never know at what stage to add salt or cream of tartar to egg whites when making meringue. Can you give me advice?
Cream of tartar stabilises the egg white foam so that the heat has enough time to penetrate without collapsing the foam. You can add it in the beginning of beating. Salt, on the other hand, should be added towards the end as adding it too soon can cause the egg white foam to destabilise.
How do I freeze leftover raw eggs?
Before putting egg yolks in the fridge, make sure to lightly whisk them and add either sugar or salt to prevent them from thickening. Add a sprinkle of salt or 5ml of sugar for every 4 yolks.
Don’t forget to label the container either ‘savoury’ or ‘sweet’. Egg whites freeze incredibly well in an airtight container. For whole eggs, make sure to whisk them together first before transferring them into a freezer container and sealing it. Before placing the container in the freezer, write the number of eggs, whites and yolks on the outside of the container. Frozen egg mixture must be left to thaw before use.
What is this 'Omega 3' eggs that are available now days?
These are eggs that have been enhanced to include more levels of unsaturated fats (specifically Omega 3, which is an essential fatty acid). The hen’s diet is changed to include “good” fats which changes the egg yolk’s fat profile. Omega 3 plays an important role as it can help protect against heart disease, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Plus, adding Vitamin E to the diet of the chicken also enriches the egg.
Why do my eggs always crack when I boil them?
An egg that was previously stored in the refrigerator and is extremely cold will crack when placed into boiling water- so remember to take the eggs out half an hour prior before you want to cook them to ensure that they are at room temperature. Another method you can use is poking a hole in the blunt end of the egg with a needle to allow air to escape when it is boiling. Placing the eggs in tap water rather than boiling water can also do the trick.
