Eggsactly!

Eggs are one of the most universal and nutritious foods on the planet. Everyone eats eggs. Every culture around the world has been eating eggs since the beginning of time. If there are birds, there will be eggs. At first people were eating eggs from wild birds, in the Neolithic times, and then they started cultivating the birds and collecting their eggs.

Basically we eat eggs from all kinds of birds, from wild birds, to ducks, geese, quail, ostrich and domesticated chickens and everything in between. Eggs are very versatile and nutritious. They are loaded with protein and many other nutrients. Eggs provide protein, fat, and important vitamins while being relatively low in calories. Eating eggs as part of an overall nutrient-rich eating plan can support your overall health, including your cardiovascular system and eyes. Eggs are pretty much the perfect food. They contain a little bit of almost every nutrient you need. They are only 78 calories, and contain 6 grams of protein and only 5 grams of fat per egg. They are full of vitamins and minerals to, such as: Vitamin A – providing 8% of daily needs; Folate, with 6%; B5 or Pantothenic Acid, with 14%; B12, with 20% Phosphorus with 7%; Selenium with 28% of our daily needs, as well as Vitamins D, E, B6, Calcium and Zinc. Bottom line, you can’t go wrong when eating eggs.

Many of the ways we eat eggs today were introduced to us by the Ancient Romans, such as making tarts, baking, and eating eggs poached or in omelettes. The first recorded recipe for baked custard was from Marcus Gavius Apicus, who was a 1st century gourmet.

Aside from being some of the oldest and most nutritious foods around, eggs also have had many different cultural and religious significances as well. In many different Christian cultures, eggs have been a symbol of Christ’s resurrection and eternal life.  Early Christians in the Middle East dyed eggs red to commemorate Christ’s crucifixion. Jewish people have always eaten eggs at Passover. A hard-boiled egg is a symbolic food during Passover, representing the cycle of life. A roasted egg on the Seder plate symbolizes sacrifice and mourning. Eating eggs was later adopted by the Christians as a symbol for Easter. It is believed that the tradition of selling eggs by the dozen came from the British during the Elizabethan times, again drawing from Christian beliefs, that they were representative of the 12 disciples of Christ. The Chinese believe the “century egg” is a preserved delicacy that symbolizes fertility, birth, and new beginnings. They have been painted bright colors from the Pagans and many other cultures, as a sign of the upcoming spring and fertility. They were hung in ancient Egyptian temples in the belief they would encourage fertility.

Most countries around the world do not refrigerate their eggs. They are left at room temperature. Various countries in Europe vaccinate chickens against salmonella beforehand. In addition, eggs are not washed like they are in the United States, so the cuticle is left on the shell. As a result, eggs can be stored at room temperature instead of needing to be refrigerated.

Eggs are still considered to “fresh” for about 60 days. But if you are poaching them or frying them, they are best when “super fresh” at about 1-7 days. After their 60-day period of freshness, the white part of the albumen starts to break down. But how do we know if they are still fresh, other than relying on the dates printed on the cartons? Place the eggs in a bowl of cool water and you will soon have your answer. If they stay on the bottom, they are still fresh. If they float to the top, they most likely are older and past their “expiration date”.

And to close us off, here are some fun old wives’ tales about eggs.

1. An egg laid on Good Friday, thrown on the fire, would extinguish the fire.
2. Don’t eat bluebirds’ eggs: they will make you love to wander.
3. Don’t eat mockingbirds’ eggs: they will make you tell everything you know.
4. If you eat a dove’s egg, you will get bad luck.

So now you know. I hoped you enjoyed your egg lesson for the day. I learned some new things. I hope you did too. 🙂

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well.

We leave tomorrow, early, early in the morning. I will be back in Cozumel, diving, diving, and diving. So I will be off the grid and underwater for the next week. But have no fear, I will be back before you know it, and before you really even get a chance to miss me. 🙂 ‘Til next time.