Think You Know Everything About Eggs?
Eggs show up in breakfasts, baked goods, and even science experiments. But behind the smooth shell lies a world of strange surprises. Some eggs don’t even look like eggs, while others are capable of things you would never expect. If you think you know everything about eggs, here are 20 facts that will blow your mind.
1. Some Eggs Have No Shells
Have you ever picked up an egg and found it too soft and squishy? Hens sometimes lay eggs without shells, leaving only a thin membrane. This happens when they lack calcium or lay too soon. It looks weird, but the egg inside is still completely normal if you dare to crack it.
2. Eggs Can Explode Unexpectedly
Microwaving a whole egg can be like setting a tiny bomb. The heat converts moisture into steam, which builds up pressure and can cause the egg to explode. That’s one big mess you’d never want in your kitchen, so always crack them first.
3. Chickens Can Lay Blue Eggs
Not all eggs are white or brown. Some chickens, like the Araucana and Ameraucana breeds, lay stunning blue eggs due to a special pigment called oocyanin. It’s not just on the surface. The blue color runs all the way through the shell.
4. Eggs Can Absorb Smells
Leave an egg next to strong-smelling food, and it might take on the scent. That’s because eggshells have thousands of tiny pores that let odors sneak in. So, store them away from garlic, onions, and fish to keep them tasting fresh instead of funky.
5. Some Eggs Have Double Yolks
Did you ever crack an egg and find two yolks? Lucky you! It’s rare, but younger hens sometimes release two yolks at once. Superstition says it’s a sign of good luck, but in reality, it’s just a little mix-up in a hen’s reproductive cycle.
6. Eggs Can Stand Upright
Try to balance an egg on its end. Fresh ones stand easier because the yolk and whites are still thick. Myth says it only works during an equinox, but science says otherwise. A steady hand and a little patience can do the trick.
Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash
7. Hens Don’t Need Roosters
Chickens lay eggs whether a rooster is around or not. However, without fertilization, those eggs will never hatch into chicks. Thankfully, they’re perfectly fine to eat. This means almost all eggs in your fridge were laid without a rooster’s help.
8. A Hen Can Lay 371 Eggs a Year
One record-breaking hen managed to lay 371 eggs in a single year. That’s almost one per day! A lot of hens slow down in colder months, but with the right conditions, some barely take a break. That’s a whole lot of omelets from just one bird.
9. Some Eggs Have No Yolks
Not every egg comes with a golden center. Occasionally, a hen lays a tiny, yolkless egg, often called a “fairy egg” or “wind egg.” It happens when her system misfires and produces an egg without a yolk inside, usually early in her laying cycle.
10. Ostrich Eggs Are Enormous
One ostrich egg equals about two dozen chicken eggs. It’s like breakfast for six to eight people. Moreover, with a shell thick enough to support a person’s weight, cracking one open takes a hammer or a drill. If you ever cook one, be ready for a serious scramble.
11. Eggs Can Bounce Like Rubber
Soak an egg in vinegar for a few days. It will dissolve the shell and leave behind a bouncy, rubbery membrane. Give it a gentle drop, and you’ve got a squishy, eggy ball. This may look like a science experiment, but it’s just some cool chemistry at work.
12. Some Chickens Lay Pink Eggs
Do you think eggs only come in brown, white, and blue colors? Not quite. Certain breeds, like the Barred Rock and Australorp, sometimes lay eggs with a soft pink tint. The color comes from an extra layer of pigment, which gives the shell a pastel-like glow before it dries.
13. Eggs Float When They’re Old
Whenever you want to check if an egg is still good to eat, drop it in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink, and older ones will float because their shells become more porous over time, letting in all the air. So, if an egg stands upright in water, eat it as soon as you can. If it floats like a leaf, it’s time to toss it.
14. Eggshells Are Stronger Than You Think
Despite being fragile, eggshells can handle serious pressure, especially from the top and bottom. The curved shape evenly distributes weight, which allows an egg to withstand several pounds before breaking.
15. The Largest Egg Ever
The biggest egg ever to be recorded in history didn’t come from an ostrich. It belonged to the Aepyornis maximus, an extinct elephant bird of Madagascar. The egg was 13 inches long and could hold 2.25 gallons of liquid.
16. Some Eggs Glow Under UV Light
Shine a blacklight on certain eggs, and you might see a neon-like glow in a few of them. That’s because some eggs have natural pigments like protoporphyrin that react to ultraviolet light. Some farmers might use this glow to spot cracks and contamination (if any) in the egg.
17. Hard-Boiled Eggs Spin Differently
You can spin an egg to tell if it is raw or cooked. A raw egg wobbles because the liquid inside keeps moving, while a hard-boiled egg spins smoothly. This is a simple trick that works every time. No messy cracking is required.
18. Some Eggs Take Months To Hatch
Most bird eggs hatch in a few weeks, but not all. The wandering albatross holds the record, with eggs taking up to 80 days to hatch! In colder climates, some reptile eggs pause their development for months, waiting for the right conditions before continuing.
National Marine Sanctuaries on Wikimedia
19. A Hen’s Ears Might Tell Her Egg Color
It sounds odd, but a hen’s earlobe color usually matches the eggs she lays. Hens with white earlobes tend to lay white eggs, while those with red or brown earlobes lay brown ones. While not a perfect rule, it’s usually surprisingly accurate.
20. The World’s Most Expensive Egg Costs A Fortune
The Fabergé eggs, created for Russian royalty, are covered in gold, jewels, and intricate designs. One of these rare eggs can be worth millions. So, not all eggs belong in a frying pan. Some can make you rich.
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