Ostrich Egg

What Is an Ostrich Egg?

An ostrich egg is the egg of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and is the largest bird egg in the world; it weighs an average of 1.3–1.5 kg. One ostrich egg has about the same volume as twenty-four chicken eggs.

The shell is very thick and hard; it cannot be cracked by hand and is opened with a saw or drill. It tastes similar to a chicken egg but is slightly richer; it is a rare and expensive product.

Ostrich Egg Nutrition

100 g of raw ostrich egg contains approximately 118 kcal of energy and about 12 g of protein; by weight, it has slightly less fat than a chicken egg. These values are approximate because no standard USDA entry is available.

What Are the Benefits of Ostrich Eggs?

An ostrich egg is a source of high-quality protein and can be considered part of a balanced diet; however, because one egg is very large, it should be shared and eaten in moderation.

This information is general; an ostrich egg is a food and does not replace medical treatment.

How to Choose an Ostrich Egg

A fresh ostrich egg should have a clean, uncracked, heavy shell; checking for cracks is especially important because the shell is very thick.

• The shell should be clean, smooth, and uncracked.
• If the contents do not slosh when shaken, that may indicate freshness.
• Buy from a reputable ostrich farm.

How to Store an Ostrich Egg

A whole ostrich egg can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks; after opening, divide the contents into portions because of the large size, then use them within a few days in the refrigerator or freeze them.

Using Ostrich Eggs in the Kitchen

Because of its size, an ostrich egg is generally used in shareable recipes such as a giant omelet, menemen, or a large cake; one egg is enough for a crowd.

How to Open an Ostrich Egg

The very thick shell cannot be cracked by hand; carefully make a hole in the top with a saw, drill, or sturdy knife, then empty the contents.

How Many People Does an Ostrich Egg Omelet Serve?

Because it is equivalent to about two dozen chicken eggs, one ostrich egg makes an omelet or menemen large enough for a crowd.

Which Recipes Use Ostrich Eggs?

Giant omelets and menemen, large cakes, and shareable breakfast dishes are among the best-known uses for ostrich eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chicken eggs is an ostrich egg equivalent to?

By volume, it is equivalent to approximately 20–24 chicken eggs; that is why one egg is enough for recipes serving many people.

Can you eat ostrich eggs?

Yes. They taste similar to chicken eggs and can be used in recipes such as omelets, menemen, and cakes. Thorough cooking is recommended.

How do you crack an ostrich egg?

Because the shell is very thick, it cannot be cracked by hand; make a hole in the top with a saw or drill and empty the contents.

How long does it take to hard-boil an ostrich egg?

Because of its size, hard-boiling takes a very long time (up to about 1.5 hours); in practice, it is more often beaten and cooked as an omelet or menemen.

Why are ostrich eggs expensive?

Ostriches lay a limited number of eggs seasonally, and production depends on specialized farms, so their eggs are rare and expensive.