Ostrich Egg

What Is Ostrich Egg?

Ostrich egg is the egg of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and is the largest bird egg in the world; it weighs on average 1.3–1.5 kilograms. One ostrich egg has a volume roughly equivalent to twenty-four chicken eggs.

Its shell is very thick and hard; it cannot be cracked by hand and is opened with a saw or drill. Its flavor is similar to chicken egg but slightly more intense; it is a rare and expensive product.

Nutritional Values of Ostrich Egg

100 grams of raw ostrich egg contains approximately 118 kcal of energy and around 12 g of protein; it is somewhat less fatty by unit weight than chicken egg. Since there is no standard USDA entry, these values are given as approximate.

What Are the Benefits of Ostrich Egg?

Ostrich egg is a high-quality protein source and can be considered part of a balanced diet; however, since a single egg is very large, it should be shared into portions and consumed in moderation.

This information is general; ostrich egg is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Ostrich Egg?

Fresh ostrich egg should have a shell that is crack-free, clean, and heavy; checking for cracks is especially important given its very thick shell.

• The shell should be crack-free, clean, and smooth
• No sloshing of contents when shaken can indicate freshness
• Should be obtained from a reliable ostrich farm

How to Store Ostrich Egg?

A whole ostrich egg can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks; once opened, its contents (being very large) should be divided into portions and used within a few days in the refrigerator or frozen.

Using Ostrich Egg in the Kitchen

Due to its size, ostrich egg is generally used in shareable recipes such as a giant omelet, menemen, or a large cake for many people; a single egg is enough for a crowd.

How Is Ostrich Egg Opened?

The very thick shell cannot be cracked by hand; a hole is carefully made in the top with a saw, drill, or a strong knife, and the contents are drained out.

How Many People Does It Make an Omelet For?

Since it is roughly equivalent to two dozen chicken eggs, one ostrich egg makes an omelet or menemen large enough for a crowded table.

Which Recipes Use Ostrich Egg?

A giant omelet and menemen, large cakes and pastries, and shareable breakfast recipes are the best-known uses of ostrich egg.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chicken eggs does ostrich egg equal?

By volume, it is roughly equivalent to twenty to twenty-four chicken eggs; that's why a single egg is enough for recipes serving many people.

Is ostrich egg edible?

Yes; its flavor is similar to chicken egg, and it is used in dishes like omelet, menemen, and cake. Thorough cooking is recommended.

How is ostrich egg cracked?

Since its shell is very thick, it cannot be cracked by hand; a hole is made in the top with a saw or drill and the contents are drained.

How long does it take to boil ostrich egg?

Due to its size, hard-boiling takes very long (up to about 1.5 hours); that's why in practice it is more often beaten and cooked as an omelet or menemen.

Why is ostrich egg expensive?

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