The Incredible Edible Egg!

The Purpose of the EGG

In recipes, eggs are used to:

Bind ingredients together.

Thicken.

Add lightness.What types of foods can you think of that eggs play an

important role in?

• Shell– The color comes from pigments in the outer layer of the shell and may range in various breeds from white to deep brown.

• The breed of the hen determines the color of the shell.

Egg Color

White Egg albumen in raw eggs is clear and does not appear

white until beaten or cooked.

YolkColor depends on the diet of the hen.

Gold or Lemon colored yolks are preferred by most buyers.

But, depending on the hen’s diet yolks can be medium yellow, yellow-orange or

colorless.

Why do some Hard Cooked eggs have a greenish ring around the

yolk?

It is a result of sulfur and iron in the egg reacting to the surface

of the yolk.

It occurs when eggs are overcooked or there is iron in

the cooking water.

Eggs and Freshness

Factors:When the egg was laid

Temperature storedHandling

The ideal conditions are temperatures that don’t go above 40F, and a relative

humidity of 70-80%.

Classification determined by interior and exterior quality and designated by letters

--- AA, A, and B.

In many packing plants, the USDA provides a grading service for shell eggs. Its official grade, certifies the eggs have been graded

under federal supervision.

There is no difference in nutritive value between the different grades.

Grading

Size FactorsMajor factor:

The age of the hen.(as the hen ages, her eggs increase in size.)

The breed of hen.

Environmental factors.

Sizes:Small, Medium, X-Large, JUMBO

Baked Alaska!