Nutrition
Kids & eggs
Did you know that eggs are full of nutritious goodies like:
1. Protein – to help you build muscle and stay strong,
2. Vitamin A – so you don’t get sick and miss school,
3. Folate – to help you grow up fit and strong
4. Iron – so you can concentrate at school and have plenty of energy to play
What's inside an egg?
Eggs are made up of five major parts:
The yolk
The yolk makes up 31% of the total egg weight and consists of water, fat and protein as well as vitamins and minerals. The yolk is held together inside a fine elastic cover called the vitelline membrane. The colour of the yolk is determined by the hen’s diet.
A round white spot called the germinal disc can be seen on the surface of the yolk. In fertile eggs this is where the chick starts to develop.
In eggs produced for human consumption that are available in supermarkets, at farmers markets and grocery stores the germinal disc remains a small white spot.
The egg white
Surrounding the yolk is the egg white, which is called albumen. It is a clear jelly-like substance which makes up 58% of the weight of the egg.
There are two layers in the egg white. A thick layer of white immediately surrounds and acts as a cushion for the yolk. In this thick layer of egg white are the chalazae (shall-ay-zee). These are rope-like cords which are attached to each end of the yolk. The chalazae act as anchors to hold the yolk in the centre of the egg.
Shell membranes
The shell membranes enclose the yolk and while of the egg, and prevent bacteria from entering the egg. These membranes are strong and are made partly from keratin (a protein also found in human hair).
The air pocket
As it is forming the egg stays warm inside the hen. Soon after an egg is laid, it cools and the inner shell membranes pull away from the outer shell membranes at the blunt end of the egg, causing an air cell or pocket to form. As the egg ages, the air cell becomes larger.
The shell
The shell of the egg is rigid but brittle, and protects the contents of the egg.
The shell makes up 11% of the weight of the entire egg. About 98% of the shell consists of calcium carbonate, magnesium and phosphorus make up the other 2%.
If you have more questions check out our FAQ's page or you can send us an email – we’d love to provide you with more information on eggs and why they are good for you!