Ever seen black eggs that look like jelly? While browsing the Internet, you most likely came across graphics similar to these at some point.
They are known as century eggs, and they are a traditional dish in Chinese cuisine.
Due to the moniker, one could get the impression that the eggs have been there for a century.
However, what really is the reality behind this? As you continue reading, you will discover the solution.
You must have thought to yourself, “What does a century egg taste like?” as you were gazing at pictures of the black eggs. This article will provide you with information on the many different aspects of century eggs that you may be interested in learning more about.
What is Century Egg?
Eggs, together with additional spices, are used in the preparation of a dish called century egg, which is similar to pickled eggs and is considered a delicacy in China.
They have a robust flavor, thus they are often eaten with tofu or sauces, which have a more subtle flavor profile.
Because of the lengthy preparation process and the way the finished product looks, century eggs are given this name because they have the appearance of eggs that have been aged for a long period.
During the process of preserving the egg, the golden egg yolk will change to a gray or dark green color.
On the other hand, the whites become a brownish color and turn into a jelly-like consistency.
After between three and four months, the process of preservation will be finished.
After they have been cooked, the century eggs undergo no more preparation save being thoroughly rinsed.
They are served on the side to compliment the main meal that is being served.
The majority of the eggs in this meal come from a duck.
This is due to the fact that duck eggs contain more nutrients.
After going through the process of preservation, duck eggs become even more desirable since they contain a greater quantity of protein.
Century eggs are now a regular item on the menu in restaurants that cater to more formal events.
Traditional Chinese communities include them as an essential part of the banquet spread for important events like weddings and festivals.
What Does Century Egg Taste Like?
The term “century egg” may alternatively be rendered in Chinese as “hundred year egg” or “pidan.”
There are many who go so far as to refer to it as a “thousand-year egg.”
There are 130 calories in 71 grams of century eggs, and they are an excellent source of protein.
The amounts of cholesterol, carbohydrates, and fats are all on the low side.
Even though the century egg has a putrid odor, you shouldn’t let that put you off eating this delicious specialty.
To prevent the aroma from affecting your perception of the flavor, you may wish to press your nose together for a moment.
The century egg has an amazing flavor, in stark contrast to its slightly putrid odor.
The century eggs provide a delightful combination of tastes and smooth and grainy textures.
The whites are transparent and have the viscosity of jelly, in contrast to the yolk, which has a cheesy flavor.
The result is that the act of eating becomes more interesting as a whole as a result of this.
In terms of overall flavor, a century egg has a bitter taste; yet, it is an enjoyable type of bitter that may become addicting.
Because these eggs have a robust taste that is sometimes difficult to take in on their own, they are almost never served on their own.
The way in which century eggs are cooked may produce a wide range of hues in the finished product; some century eggs have a yellowish tint, while others have a deeper, almost black color.
The egg will develop a deeper hue if a greater number of spices are applied to it or if the maturing process is allowed to continue for a longer period of time.
Comparing the flavor of a yellow century egg to that of a black century egg
In comparison to black century eggs, yellow century eggs have a lower concentration of sodium hydroxide and have a flavor that is less harsh.
The egg’s protein is transformed into something similar to jelly as a result of the sodium hydroxide’s action on it.
The black variant includes a greater quantity of the alkaline combination and has a more astringent flavor.
How to Cook Century Egg?
Uncooked eggs are called century eggs. Following the process of preservation, they are opened up and made suitable for consumption.
They are often served as a side dish with other types of meals.
When you are constructing eggs from the century, one important thing to keep in mind is to cover the eggs with the clay mixture to an acceptable degree.
Because of this, no extraneous particles will be able to make their way into the eggs.
You are free to use whatever spices you desire in order to give the eggs a more flavorful profile.
Ginger, star anise, and cinnamon are examples of spices that are beneficial to one’s health.
In several recipes for manufacturing century eggs, lead is used as a catalyst to speed up the curing process. This allows the eggs to be used sooner.
However, the safest and most effective method is to prepare the eggs without the use of lead.
You should also use a smaller quantity of the sodium hydroxide combination, which is comprised of soda ash and quick lime, in the eggs in order to provide a flavor that is somewhat less bitter. This may be accomplished by reducing the amount of sodium hydroxide in the recipe.
Caution is advised while consuming century eggs, as follows:
The taste of the century eggs is robust to the point of becoming overpowering.
Therefore, you should consider chewing the eggs more slowly and taking smaller chunks; doing so will reduce the likelihood that the flavor will be too intense for you.
Additionally, you should be prepared to consume an offensive-smelling dish since century eggs are one of such foods.
FAQs
Do century eggs taste like eggs?
The preserved egg, which also goes by the names century egg, hundred-year egg, and thousand-year egg, in addition to skin egg and black egg, may be found on menus ranging from the most unpretentious eateries to those that have earned three Michelin stars. It has a flavor similar to egg, which is creamy and succulent, and it gives the mouth the impression of eating egg.
How would you describe a century egg?
A century egg, often referred to as a hundred-year egg, is a specialty dish that may be found in China. When an egg, often from a duck, is preserved in a way that causes the shell to become speckled, the white to transform into a dark brown gelatinous substance, and the yolk to transform into a deep green and creamy color, the result is called a century egg.
Why does century egg taste like ammonia?
In China, century eggs are traditionally prepared by soaking duck eggs in rice wine for around one hundred days before adding salt, lime, and ash to the mixture. This is the reason why it has a sharp odor that is comparable to that of ammonia. Because the substances protect the eggs, this technique doesn’t put too much of a strain on the health of the people who use it.
Is a century egg healthy?
Nutrition with a focus on protein. Excellent delivery system for vitamin D. Selenium content is quite high in these. Brings down the blood pressure.
Can century eggs be eaten raw?
After the top layer of mulch has been removed, the eggshell may be removed in the same manner that a cooked egg would be. It only needs a short rinse, and then it’s good to go. There is no need for any cooking.
How do you eat century eggs?
The rich taste of the egg is customarily cut through with pickled ginger, which is served with the delicacy in its customary quartered form. According to SCMP, they are also often prepared as the supporting actor in a meal that has cold tofu and leeks with a vinaigrette that is created with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and Japanese mirin.
Why are century eggs black?
The century egg gets its distinctive color from the Maillard reaction, which is a natural browning activity that speeds up in a very alkaline environment. This reaction is what gives the egg its century-old name. Sodium hydroxide is alkaline. The two substances interact with one another as the protein in the egg is broken down into glucose and amino acids.
How long can century egg last?
If you store the eggs in the pantry, they will remain edible for a number of months, and if you place them in the refrigerator, they will remain edible permanently.
Conclusion
You may use century eggs into your next culinary endeavor after reading the facts about these eggs and discovering how they are produced.
When preparing food for guests, it’s not a bad idea to sometimes go the additional mile and provide something really spectacular.
You are free to experiment with a variety of alternatives to the procedure before deciding which one best suits your needs.
To produce a perfect century egg that is transparent all the way through, remember to remove the shell carefully.
After gathering all of the necessary components, which are not a very large number, you will be well on your way to recreating the traditional Chinese dish.
