Century Eggs I Try It So You Don't Have To So Good Blog

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Table of Contents

1. What are Century Eggs?
2. How are Century Eggs Made?
3. What do Century Eggs Taste Like?
4. Are Century Eggs Safe to Eat?
5. How are Century Eggs Used in Cooking?

What are Century Eggs?

Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs, hundred-year eggs, or thousand-year eggs, are a Chinese delicacy that have been around for centuries. These eggs are made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw for several weeks to several months. The preservation process causes the egg whites to turn into a translucent jelly-like substance, while the yolk becomes a dark green or grey color with a creamy texture.

How are Century Eggs Made?

The process of making century eggs is quite simple, but it requires a lot of patience and time. Here are the basic steps:

1. Prepare the Preservation Mixture: Mix together clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw until it forms a thick paste.
2. Coat the Eggs: Gently coat the eggs in the preservation mixture until they are completely covered.
3. Wrap the Eggs: Place the coated eggs in a plastic or paper bag, and seal the bag tightly. Then, wrap the bag in several layers of rice straw to insulate it.
4. Store the Eggs: Place the wrapped eggs in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar or a cave, and let them sit for several weeks to several months, depending on the desired level of preservation.
5. Remove the Coating: Once the eggs are ready, remove the coating and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
6. Store the Eggs: Store the eggs in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

What do Century Eggs Taste Like?

Century eggs have a very unique flavor and texture that can be quite polarizing. Some people love them, while others find them repulsive. The egg whites have a gelatinous, almost rubbery texture, while the yolk is creamy and savory with a slightly ammonia-like taste. The overall flavor is salty, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of earthiness.

Are Century Eggs Safe to Eat?

Despite their unusual appearance and flavor, century eggs are perfectly safe to eat. The preservation process actually makes the eggs more hygienic by killing off any harmful bacteria or microorganisms. However, it's important to note that century eggs are very high in sodium, so people with high blood pressure or kidney problems should consume them in moderation.

How are Century Eggs Used in Cooking?

Century eggs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In Chinese cuisine, they are often served as a side dish with congee (rice porridge), or used as a topping for noodles or rice. They can also be chopped up and used in dumplings, steamed buns, or stir-fries. In Western cuisine, century eggs are less common but can still be used to add a unique flavor and texture to salads, sandwiches, or deviled eggs.

Conclusion

Century eggs may not be for everyone, but they are certainly an interesting and unique food item that have stood the test of time. Whether you love them or hate them, there's no denying the skill and patience required to make these preserved eggs. So, the next time you come across a century egg, don't be afraid to give it a try!