Can you eat century eggs?
Quick Answer
Yes
Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs or thousand-year eggs, are a Chinese delicacy made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for several weeks to several months. The yolk of the egg becomes dark green or gray, and the white becomes a dark brown, translucent jelly with a salty flavor. Despite their name and appearance, century eggs are safe to eat.
What Is It?
Century eggs are a type of preserved egg product commonly used in Chinese cuisine. They are made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for several weeks to several months.
Historical Context
The practice of making century eggs dates back to the Ming Dynasty in China, where they were created to extend the shelf life of eggs. The preservation process gives the eggs their unique color and flavor.
Why It Can Be Risky
While century eggs are generally safe to eat, there are some potential risks to be aware of.
- allergies
- food_poisoning
Safe Method?
Century eggs should be cooked thoroughly before eating to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. They can be boiled, steamed, or fried.
Storage Tips
Century eggs should be stored in a cool, dry place and consumed before the expiration date on the package.
Preparation Tips
Century eggs can be sliced and served with pickled ginger, used in congee (rice porridge), or used as a topping for tofu.