Egg Products

Pasteurized Shell Eggs

Pasteurized shell eggs are heated for a period of time to destroy any bacteria that might be present, but the process does not cook the eggs. They are more expensive than unpasteurized eggs, but are a good alternative for use in raw or partially cooked egg recipes. The eggs can be used in egg dishes and for baked items just like eggs that are not pasteurized. The shells are stamped to signify that the eggs have been pasteurized.

Liquid Whole Eggs

Eggs without the shells are available as a pasteurized white and yolk blend and are usually packaged in 1 cup and 1 pint containers. The pasteurization process destroys any harmful bacteria that may be present in the eggs at the time of processing. Unopened containers will last as long as 3 months under proper refrigeration.

Liquid Egg Whites

When egg whites are needed for an uncooked dish, you can purchase pasteurized egg whites that are already separated from the yolks. The egg whites are usually packaged in pourable containers and are convenient for cooks who use more egg whites than yolks. Because of the pasteurization process, the beating time necessary for meringues may be 3 to 5 times longer than the beating time required for unpasteurized egg whites.

Liquid Egg Yolks

Pasteurized egg yolks that are already separated from the whites, can be purchased. The egg yolks are usually packaged in pourable containers and are convenient for cooks who use more egg yolks than whites.

Liquid Egg Substitutes

Egg substitutes are packaged and sold as refrigerated or frozen food items. The main purpose of egg substitutes is to cut down or eliminate the high cholesterol content of eggs. All of the cholesterol is contained within the yolk, so most substitutes are produced using egg whites only, with other ingredients added as a substitution for the yolks. Some of these additional ingredients may include tofu, skim milk, starch, and artificial flavorings. Egg substitutes are often used for scrambling or for preparing omelets.

Powdered Whole Eggs

Powdered whole eggs are another alternative to fresh eggs and are convenient to use and store. They can be used for most types of egg dishes or recipes requiring eggs. The powder is simply blended with water to produce liquid eggs, which are then used just like fresh eggs. Powdered egg products are pasteurized and do not require refrigeration, making them safe to use and easy to store.

Powdered Egg Whites

Pasteurized powdered egg whites are available containing no other ingredients while some contain additives to help build volume and stabilize the foam when beating egg whites. The freeze-dried egg whites are simply blended with water to produce liquid egg whites, which makes them convenient to use. They also have a very long shelf life (over one year) and do not require refrigeration.

Powdered Egg Yolks

Powdered egg yolks are blended with water to produce liquid egg yolks, which makes them convenient to use. The freeze-dried yolks have a very long shelf life (over one year) and do not require refrigeration.

Meringue Powder

Meringue powder is basically dried egg whites with the addition of sugar and gum. Meringue is created when the powder is added to water and is then whipped. Like all other uncooked egg products, meringue powder is pasteurized so it is very useful when preparing dishes requiring uncooked meringues. It also has a long shelf life (over one year).

Powdered Egg Substitutes

Powdered egg substitutes are produced using egg whites only, with other ingredients added as a substitution for the yolks. This results in a product that is low in calories and has no cholesterol or fat. Some of the ingredients used instead of the yolks include starch, yeast extract, gum, and artificial flavorings and color. Some powdered egg substitutes are egg free and are produced from ingredients that simulate the texture and flavor of eggs. Powdered egg substitutes are often used in cooking and some are suitable for scrambling or for preparing omelets. They are easily prepared by just adding water.

Frozen Egg Products, Uncooked

Several types of uncooked egg products are frozen for long term storage. Various blends of whites and yolks and eggs that have been separated, can be purchased. Like refrigerated liquid eggs, frozen uncooked egg products are pasteurized.

Frozen Egg Products, Cooked

Other frozen egg products include convenience foods that are fully cooked such as scrambled egg products, omelets, fried eggs, and complete breakfasts featuring eggs that are microwavable.

Pickled Eggs

Eggs that are pickled are usually marinated in a liquid solution and packaged in jars. The marinade may consist of a mixture of vinegar, herbs, and spices, or it may be a solution of cider or pickled beet juice. Pickled eggs are served in salads or as an hors d'oeuvre, appetizer, or garnish and require refrigeration after the jar is opened.