Chicken Egg

What Is a Chicken Egg?

A chicken egg (Gallus gallus) is an animal-derived food laid by a chicken, covered by a hard shell made of calcium carbonate, and containing two distinct parts: a yolk and a white (albumen). It is the most widely consumed type of egg worldwide.

Shell color (white or brown) does not affect nutritional value; it depends on the chicken breed. The yolk contains most of the fat and vitamins, while the white contains most of the protein.

Chicken Egg Nutrition Facts

In 100 g (about 2 medium eggs), raw chicken egg provides 143 kcal, 12.6 g of protein, and 9.5 g of fat. It has a notable cholesterol content (372 mg), concentrated largely in the yolk; it also contains nutrients such as choline and vitamin B12.

What Are the Benefits of Eggs?

With high-quality protein and a range of vitamins and minerals, eggs are a food commonly included as part of a balanced diet. Nutrition science has previously presented differing views on how dietary cholesterol affects blood cholesterol; the current general approach is that moderate consumption is reasonable for healthy people.

This is general information; eggs are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People monitoring their cholesterol are advised to consult a health professional about how much to eat.

How to Choose Chicken Eggs

When choosing fresh eggs, consider shell integrity and the production date.

• The shell should be uncracked and smooth; cracked eggs are more vulnerable to microbial contamination.
• Check the production or expiration date and the egg codes on the package.
• To test freshness, submerge an egg in a glass of water: an egg that lies horizontally on the bottom is fresh, while one that stands upright or floats is stale.

How to Store Chicken Eggs

Eggs keep fresh for 3–5 weeks in the refrigerator in their original carton, with the pointed end facing down; the carton absorbs impacts and helps keep the eggs from absorbing odors. Washed eggs should always be refrigerated because washing removes the shell’s natural protective coating.

How to Use Chicken Eggs in the Kitchen

Eggs can be boiled, fried (as a sunny-side-up egg), beaten into an omelet, or used as a binder in baked goods. Cooking time varies with the desired doneness, from soft-boiled to hard-boiled.

How to Boil Eggs

Place the eggs in cold water and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cook for 6–7 minutes for soft-boiled eggs or 9–10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs, then transfer them to cold water to cool. Placing them in cold water also helps make the shells easier to peel.

How to Make an Omelet

Beat the eggs and lightly salt them. Heat butter or oil in a pan, then pour in the eggs and cook over medium-low heat; as the edges set, stir gently and fold the eggs to make an omelet.

What Recipes Use Chicken Eggs?

Hard-boiled eggs, omelets, menemen, egg-dipped fried bread, and nearly all baked goods contain eggs. Eggs are also the main binder in many sauces, including mayonnaise and hollandaise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eggs should you eat per day?

For healthy people, 1 egg a day is generally considered reasonable; since this amount can vary depending on personal health, including cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, it is best to consult a health professional.

Which is more nutritious, the egg white or the yolk?

The two parts contain different nutrients: the white is almost pure protein, while the yolk is richer in fat, vitamins, and minerals. There is no single answer to which is “more nutritious”; it depends on individual needs.

Is it safe to eat raw eggs?

It is not recommended; raw eggs may carry bacteria such as Salmonella. Thoroughly cooking eggs is preferred for safety.

Why do eggs go stale?

Over time, more air passes through the shell and the air cell inside the egg grows; this causes the egg to float in a freshness test. Staleness does not completely make an egg inedible until its smell and texture deteriorate, but it does reduce freshness.

What does the color of an egg yolk indicate?

Yolk color largely depends on the chicken’s diet, especially feed containing carotenoids. A dark orange yolk may indicate a carotenoid-rich diet, but by itself it does not prove a difference in nutritional value.