Chicken Egg

What Is Chicken Egg?

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

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

Nutritional Values of Chicken Egg

Chicken egg, in its raw form, contains 143 kcal of energy, 12.6 g of protein, and 9.5 g of fat per 100 grams (about 2 medium eggs). Its cholesterol content (372 mg) is notable and largely concentrated in the yolk; it also provides nutrients such as choline and vitamin B12.

What Are the Benefits of Chicken Egg?

With its high-quality protein and various vitamin-mineral content, egg is a food that stands out as part of a balanced diet. Nutrition science has held differing views in the past regarding the effect of cholesterol content on blood cholesterol; the current general approach is that moderate consumption is reasonable for healthy individuals.

This information is general; egg is a food and does not substitute for medical treatment. Those monitoring cholesterol are advised to consult a specialist about the amount they consume.

How to Choose Chicken Egg?

Shell integrity and production date should be considered when choosing fresh eggs.

• The shell should be crack-free and smooth; cracked eggs are more prone to microbial contamination.
• Check the production/expiry date and egg codes on the packaging.
• For a freshness test, an egg can be dipped in a glass of water: an egg that lies flat on the bottom is fresh, one that stands upright or floats has gone stale.

How to Store Chicken Egg?

Eggs keep fresh in the refrigerator, in their original carton, pointed end down, for 3–5 weeks; the carton both absorbs shocks and reduces odor absorption. Washed eggs must be refrigerated, as they lose the shell's natural protective layer.

Using Chicken Egg in the Kitchen

Eggs are boiled, fried (sunny-side up), whisked into omelets, or used as a binder in pastries. Cooking time varies according to the desired consistency (soft-boiled, hard-boiled).

How to Boil an Egg?

Eggs are placed in cold water and brought to a boil; once boiling starts, wait 6–7 minutes for soft-boiled or 9–10 minutes for hard-boiled, then transfer to cold water to cool. Cooling in cold water also helps the shell peel easily.

How to Make an Omelet?

Eggs are whisked and lightly salted, poured into a pan with heated butter or oil, and gently stirred and folded over medium-low heat as the edges set to make an omelet.

Which Recipes Use Chicken Egg?

Boiled egg, omelet, menemen, egg on bread, and almost all pastries contain egg. It is also the basic binder of many sauces (mayonnaise, hollandaise).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eggs should be eaten per day?

For healthy individuals, 1 egg per day is generally considered reasonable; since this amount may vary based on personal health status (cholesterol, cardiovascular risk), consulting a specialist is best.

Is egg white or yolk more nutritious?

Both carry different nutrients: the white is almost pure protein, while the yolk is richer in fat, vitamins, and minerals; there is no single answer to "more nutritious" — it depends on need.

Can raw egg be eaten?

It's not recommended; raw egg may carry bacteria such as salmonella. Cooking the egg thoroughly is preferable for safety.

Why does an egg go stale?

Over time, air passage through the shell increases and the air pocket inside grows larger; this causes the egg to float in the freshness test. Going stale doesn't entirely eliminate edibility until its smell and consistency deteriorate, but it reduces freshness.

What does the color of the egg yolk indicate?

The yolk's color largely depends on the hen's diet (especially feed containing carotenoids); a deep orange yolk can be an indicator of the diet, but doesn't alone prove a difference in nutritional value.