What is an Egg?
An egg is an oval-shaped form of protein that comes in a shell. The eggs we eat are mostly from chickens, but some places offer quail, duck, or ostrich eggs. Eggs range in size, from small to extra-large and even jumbo-sized eggs. The way the chicken who laid the egg was raised affects the way the egg is labeled. Some common labels are cage-free and free-range. Eggs are classified into a grading system to determine the quality of their exterior and interior, though all grades are safe to eat.
What Are the Different Grades of Egg?
- Grade AA
- Grade A
- Grade B
Grade AA
Grade AA eggs are the highest quality of eggs. Their shells are unbroken, look the best on the exterior, and are free from blemishes. These eggs have prominent, distinctly round yolks and thick egg whites. These eggs are best for dishes where the appearance of the egg is important.
Grade A
Grade A eggs are medium-high quality eggs. Their shells are usually of or around the same quality of Grade AA eggs. The yolk may not be as round or the egg whites may not be as firm or thick, which means they are of slightly lower quality. These eggs are best for mixing, cooking, and baking.
Grade B
Grade B eggs are medium quality eggs. They may have a slightly misshapen exterior and blemishes on the shell. The shell is usually a little thinner in some spots. The yolks are usually not as pronounced in roundness and the whites are runnier. These eggs are most frequently used in liquid eggs because the shape of the egg yolk or whites is not important.
How Do You Eat Eggs?
Eggs should not be eaten raw. Eggs are often fried, poached, baked, and cooked in a variety of ways in both savory and sweet dishes. Common ways people enjoy eggs include scrambled, hard-boiled, and over-medium. They are a staple to dessert batters, meringues, and custards. Eggs act as a binder in certain dishes, which is why an egg is usually added to meatballs. When frying or deep-frying foods, dip the food in egg to help the batter stick.
Where Can You Buy Eggs?
Look for eggs in or near the dairy section of the grocery store.
How Do You Store Eggs?
Store eggs in their original packaging in the main part of the refrigerator.
Fun Fact About Eggs
The color of egg a hen will lay may be predicted by the color of her earlobe.
Did You Know?
The difference between brown eggs and white eggs is the breed of the hen who lays the egg.
Kids Are Great Cooks Video Cooking Lessons and Recipes Using Eggs
Perfect Over Easy Eggs Video Cooking Lesson
Easy To Peel Boiled Eggs
Our Tortilla Espanola (potato omelette) is made with eggs.
Breaded Chicken Tenders Video Cooking Lesson
How To Make Eggs With Tortilla
Creamy Cheesecake (graham cracker crust) Cooking Video
French Toast Cooking Video Lesson
In our Oatmeal Raisin Cookies lesson, the batter we use also includes eggs.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Cooking Video Lesson
In our video on how to make authentic Mexican bunuelos, we use eggs as part of the ingredients.
How To Make Authentic Mexican Bunuelos
In our Breaded Chicken Tenders kids cooking video lesson, the batter we use for the chicken is made from eggs.
Breaded Chicken Tenders Video Cooking Lesson
In our hamburger cooking video lesson, we use eggs as part of the ingredients.
How To Make Savory Hamburgers Video Cooking Lesson
In our homemade scones kids cooking video lesson, the batter we use has 1 egg in it.
Homemade Scones with Orange Zest
In our homemade ravioli recipe video, we use eggs to make the ravioli dough.
How To Make Homemade Ravioli
Easy Egg Bake
Egg bakes are easy to make. Start with a large baking dish. In the baking dish, whisk eggs, milk, diced bell peppers, chopped onions, diced zucchini, garlic, salt, and pepper. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake until eggs are fully cooked. Serve with fresh parsley over the top.
Meringue Cookies
Make easy, crunchy meringue cookies with eggs. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk egg whites, salt, sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar. Begin on a low speed until the mixture foams, then increase speed to high until the meringue forms stiff peaks. Use a piping bag to pipe meringue onto a baking sheet and bake for about an hour.
Easy Flan
Eggs play a large role in the making of flan. Heat sugar in a saucepan until it turns into a golden-brown liquid. Pour sugar into a baking dish. Using a whisk, beat eggs, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and evaporated milk together. Pour egg mixture into the baking dish and bake. When the flan has completely cooled, carefully turn the flan over on a plate.
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Start by hard boiling eggs in a large saucepan. When the eggs are done, place in ice water then remove the shells. Place eggs, mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, salt, pepper, celery, onion, lemon juice, and fresh dill in a large bowl. Use a fork to mash the eggs and incorporate the ingredients. Serve over bread.
French Toast
Make a sweet breakfast with eggs. Start by mixing eggs, sugar, vanilla, milk, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Dip bread slices into the mixture and transfer to a preheated skillet. Cook until the bottom turns golden-brown, then flip with a spatula. Remove from heat when both sides are golden brown. Serve with maple syrup.
