The ostrich eggs benefits should not be taken lightly. The African ostrich is the largest bird on our planet and lays the largest eggs. Imagine: a bird itself is over 2 meters tall and weighs around 120 kg, and these eggs are 25 to 40 times larger than a chicken egg and can show a weight of up to 2.2 kg on the scale!
Females lay eggs only during the warmer months, April through October. They do it every other day, bringing in up to 8 dozen per season. A healthy female lays eggs for 25 to 35 seasons.
Size is not the only significant difference between an ostrich and a chicken egg. It is a nutritious dietary product with reduced fat and cholesterol content compared to chicken eggs. This food is rich in sodium and selenium, vitamins A and E, and surpasses chicken in the content of valuable amino acids. Caloric Content: 118 kcal per 100 g.
The ratio of the yolk, which has an intense color, and the translucent protein by weight is about 1 to 3. The benefits of ostrich eggs are hard to overestimate!
Ostrich hen with eggs image © animalfactguide.com
The largest ostrich egg was obtained in China, its weight was more than 2.3 kg and its diameter was more than 18 cm.
The ostrich egg has a solid shell that can withstand a load of about 50 kg. It resembles marble in appearance, which is why the masters of engraving and painting use it in artistic creation.
Ostrich Egg Benefits – Food Geography
The ostrich egg long ago and quite far “took a step” beyond the continent where these representatives of the avian world live. And if you could find earlier the egg itself and the dishes from it only in Africa or the Middle East, today farmers breed ostriches in more than 50 countries in the world, even in countries with a cold climate, for example, Sweden.
However, the ostrich egg is still a foreign delicacy. Perhaps this is because you cannot find it in the market, in a store, or on a supermarket shelf. And anyone who wants to try it or replenish the menu of his restaurant has to order ostrich eggs in the farms dedicated to the breeding of this bird.
Interesting Data
An ostrich egg weighs 1.5 to 2 kg (this is about 25-36 chicken eggs), while the protein in the egg is about 1 kg and the yolk is 350g. The ostrich egg is the largest in the world and its diameter reaches 15-20 cm.
The shell of ostrich eggs is very thick. When it breaks, it looks like shards of China. In addition to culinary use, eggs are common for decorative purposes. The empty shell is very durable and looks like porcelain. You can paint it, and make miniature vases, boxes, and other souvenirs.
Ostrich eggshells have been inlaid with precious metals since the Middle Ages when they were all used as ceremonial and extravagant vessels.
The Copts, who still regard these eggs as a symbol of vigilance, hang ostrich eggs as religious items in their churches.
Composition and Caloric Content of Ostrich Eggs
Caloric Content
- 100 grams of the product contains 118 kcal.
Composition
- Ostrich eggs contain small amounts of cholesterol and fat. Therefore, they are diet foods. They contain a lot of proteins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, and E, carotenoids, and essential amino acids.
- Proteins 55.11%
- Fat 41.73%
- Carbohydrates 3.16%
- 143 kcal
Ostrich Egg Storage
Thanks to their dense shell, these eggs can be stored for up to three months. Once cooked, you can store them in the refrigerator for two or three days.
The Benefits of Ostrich Eggs
The benefits of these eggs are due to the rich composition of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other substances. This food contains less cholesterol than chicken eggs, which can be attributed to diet foods. These eggs contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are excellent prevention of heart and vascular problems.
It contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision, and vitamin E, which is considered best for the health and beauty of the skin. There are essential acids in this egg, which are actively involved in the formation of muscle tissue.
Cons:
- Only in case of individual intolerance to food components.
Flavor Qualities of Ostrich Eggs
They taste like chicken eggs but with a richer flavor. Due to their large size, these eggs are often used to prepare a large number of dishes. But you can use the product in portions. Like a chicken egg, an unused ostrich egg can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. An intact egg has a longer shelf life, up to 3 months.
Kitchen Applications
Since an ostrich egg is not much different from a chicken egg, its cooking uses are the same. The only difference is when you cook it completely. This process will take at least 1 hour for hard boils and approximately 45 minutes for soft boils. But cooking classic scrambled eggs is not worth it because the length of cooking caused by the size turns the finished dish into a hard “sole” and dries around the edges.
What Food Recipes Can Have Ostrich Eggs?
- Omelets with ham, vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms.
- Tortilla rolls with any filling.
- Salads in which you can put eggs.
- A baked egg-based pizza.
- As a decorative element of a large part of a plate.
- Bakery food.
The last one, cooking, adding an ostrich egg instead of the usual chicken egg, makes the finished dish fragrant, spicy and unforgettable.
An ostrich egg is perfect for preparing large portions for 5-10 people or festive dishes, which involve many guests.
You can store a raw ostrich egg for up to 3 months by storing it in the refrigerator. When it’s ready, it’s best to store it boiled, cut it into pieces every day, and start using it.
Today, donating ostrich eggs is gaining popularity. After all, this is an expensive and exotic gift and very nutritious food that can provide a family with a full breakfast or dinner.
Questions related to ostrich eggs benefits
Can humans eat ostrich eggs?
Yes, an ostrich egg is edible and you can eat them. One egg contains around 2,000 calories. Compared to a chicken egg, it has more magnesium and iron, but fewer vitamins E and A. But in reality, cooking or eating an ostrich egg is not very practical.
How much does an ostrich egg cost?
Expect to pay between $20 and $50 per egg, or $100 or more for a fertile egg during spring and summer, when the egg has a greater chance of hatching. Even the shell of an ostrich egg can cost as much as $20 and they are popular for art and craft projects.
How many people can eat one ostrich egg?
Scrambled eggs from 1 ostrich egg will feed 8–10 people.
Do ostriches lay eggs without a male?
Ostriches can lay both fertilized and unfertilized eggs, just like chickens can. It is the unfertilized eggs that people are able to eat, as they do not contain an embryo.
What does ostrich egg taste like?
BBC Good Food describes an ostrich egg taste as somewhat similar to a hen’s eggs. As compared to other eggs, ostrich eggs taste more buttery and richer. However, the taste can be slightly more intense; some even say gamy.
Do ostriches lay an egg every day?
Ostriches do not lay eggs throughout the year as chickens do. They have a specific breeding season that starts in June/July every year and the birds will lay one egg every second day. Once they have laid enough eggs to cover with their bodies and wings they will start incubating them.
See Also:
- Norfolk Black Turkey Breed Profile
- Natural Ways to Make Your Hens Lay more Eggs
- Ostrich Farming in the Philippines
- Mugellese Chicken Breed Profile
- Mountain Goat: Ibex Profile