Bird eggs have been part of the human diet for centuries. And this is not surprising: they have a lot of useful substances, they are satisfying but not very high in calories. Now it is easiest to buy a chicken egg, a little more difficult – quail and duck. And what about goose eggs, is there any benefit in them, what is the harm from them? We will tell you how such a product is useful, how to store and prepare it.
What do goose eggs look like?
Goose eggs are quite large: the smallest goose eggs are larger than the largest chicken eggs. The weight of goose eggs easily reaches two hundred grams, while chicken eggs barely reach fifty. This is not surprising: geese are more massive than chickens. The shell is thick and strong, its color is always white, there are no specks or other patterns. The taste of goose eggs is specific and differs from the usual taste of chicken eggs. Its intensity depends, first of all, on what the goose was fed. If she pecked at a special balanced food, as is usually the case on farms, the taste will be quite neutral. And if it was on a free pasture, ate grass and pasture, the taste will be very specific. However, the special taste does not harm, does not affect the benefits of the product, and does not interfere with the preparation of goose eggs in various forms from scrambled eggs to baked goods.
Where to buy goose eggs
Goose eggs are not found in ordinary chain supermarkets. You need to look for them in markets or farms where geese are usefully bred. Geese rush about ten to fifteen times less often than chickens, and therefore the mass production of eggs is difficult. True, scientists are working on this: artificial insemination is used, and sooner or later hybrid breeds of geese will be bred, the females of which will rush on a par with chickens.
What are the benefits of goose eggs
- First of all, it is a dietary product. There are practically no carbohydrates in them, while they are very satisfying. This is a great option for those who overeat and want to lose weight: a diet of goose eggs and vegetables automatically implies small portions – you just can’t eat a lot.
- There is more protein in the protein of a goose egg than in a chicken one. So goose eggs are a godsend for a person who is interested in muscle growth, but prefers to cook from natural products.
- Goose eggs contain lutein, which is extremely rare in animal products. It is a strong antioxidant that strengthens vision, the retina of the eye, and helps in the prevention of blindness.
- Fatty acids are represented by omega-3 and omega-6, and their amount approaches the level of fish oil. Their use is never harmful.
- Vitamins and microelements. There are many of them in a goose egg: A, K, D, D3, PP, the entire group B, iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, selenium.
In general, the general composition of useful substances is such that goose eggs are recommended to be cooked and eaten by people who have problems with the cardiovascular system, liver, vision, as well as women during pregnancy, since they have a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus, but do not cause harm.
Raw goose eggs are suitable for cosmetic masks. Moreover, if you have an oily skin type, it is recommended to use protein, and if dry, then the yolk. Although there will be no particular harm if they are not used in their pure form. To prepare the mask, take the desired part of the goose egg and mix it with something else: sour cream, tomato pulp, store-bought base mask. The composition applied to the skin of the face or body must be washed off after 20-40 minutes.
What can be harmful goose eggs
If you remove individual allergies and dermatitis, there is practically no need to talk about harm in the case of goose eggs. Increased calorie content – 185 kcal per 100 g – can be considered both a minus and a plus, depending on the specific situation. Only salmonellosis should be seriously feared: unfortunately, unlike quail eggs, goose eggs can contain salmonella, so it is better not to risk it and consume them only after heat treatment.
How to cook goose eggs
Goose eggs are a whole lot of good, but you need to be careful about how to cook this product. So, they cook much longer than chicken ones: it takes at least 25 minutes to get a hard-boiled egg. Make sure that the egg is completely submerged in water during cooking. After finishing, cover the saucepan with a lid and leave the egg in the water until it cools completely: even if something is not cooked, it will “reach” under the lid. If you prefer fried eggs from goose eggs, then it is safer to cook them in a slow cooker, and not in a pan. In any case, the main thing is that not a drop of a liquid product remains – neither yolk nor protein, then scrambled eggs will only benefit.
How to store goose eggs
Goose eggs are quite capricious. Even in the refrigerator, it is better not to store them for more than two weeks, and the temperature should not exceed +10 degrees Celsius. In the refrigerator, store them on a shelf in the back, and not on a door that is opened too often to maintain a constant temperature, otherwise, the eggs will be irreparably damaged. There is a reliable way to make sure whether the eggs have spoiled or not: when immersed in water, a spoiled or just beginning to deteriorate goose egg will float, and a good one will lie at the bottom. Another caveat: if you bought eggs with a dirty shell, it is better to wash them immediately with soap or soda and keep them clean. Eggshells are porous and bacteria can get in relatively easily.
What can be done?
Do not throw away goose eggshells: they can be used for original crafts, both for school assignments and just for fun.