Handling Eggs

Eggs are one of the kitchen's most important ingredients. From mayonnaise to meringues, soups to sauces, appetizers to desserts, they are prominent on any menu. Today's consumer is well aware of the potential for food borne illness through eggs, Therefore, we will look first at basic rules for safe handling here.

• All eggs in the shell should be free from cracks, leaking or obvious holes.

• Eggs should preferably be cooked to a minimum of 165^oF (74^oC) to kill the salmonella bacteria.

• Any foods containing eggs must be kept within safe temperatures throughout handling, cooking and storage.

The egg is composed of two parts : the white and the yolk. Each is able to play a number of important culinary roles. Whole eggs are used as the main component of many breakfast dishes and can be prepared by scrambling, frying, poaching, baking or in custards. Eggs are also used to glaze baked goods, and add nourishment, flavor and color. Despite concerns over safe handling, the egg remains one of the most adaptable and functional ingredients in the kitchen.

Eggs come in a number of sizes. Younger hen produce smaller eggs, which are often regarded to be of a better quality than larger eggs. Medium eggs are best for breakfast cookery, where the cooked egg's appearance is important. large and extra-large eggs are generally used for cooking and baking, where the whole egg's appearance is less critical.

Egg Whites

The white consists almost exclusively of protein and water. The protein is known as "albumen". Its ability to form a relatively stable foam is crucial to the development of proper structure in many recipes. They are a key ingredient in clarifying stocks and broths to produce consommés. Egg whites may replace some of all of other binders used in some forcemeats especially mousselines made from fish, poultry or vegetables.

Egg Yolks

The yolk also has the ability to foam. This function, plus its ability to form emulsions, make egg yolks crucial to the preparation of items including mayonnaise, hollandaise and genoise. Yolks are also responsible for providing additional richness to foods, as when they are include as a liaison in sauces or soups. The yolk contains protein and in addition, significant amounts of fats and a natural emulsifier called lecithin.