Have you ever wondered what is this strange white spot that we often see on raw eggs? Let’s find out what it is together, then you can finally satisfy your curiosity!
It often happens that you discover a white spot in a raw egg and wonder what it is because of. Few people know this, and therefore it is likely that you will not find anyone willing to explain to you what causes this spot, so you may have dreamed about its meaning. Have no fear, below you will find the explanation of this white spot and you will know where it comes from!
Eggs, a versatile food
Eggs are the most popular and versatile preparation products; they can be prepared in many ways and are also very nutritious. Eggs are also preferred as a breakfast food in some northern European countries and are a highly sought-after food included in all diets, including low-calorie ones.
Consumed in the right quantity, they ensure excellent nutrient absorption and are also great for combining in salads, main dishes, appetizers and much more. One of the many curiosities to which we often do not know the answer is the presence of a white spot on the yolk , sometimes visible when the egg is opened.
If you do this, you may find that there is a white spot on the yolk when the egg arrives on the plate. What is it about? Where does it come from? There are a thousand questions that go through your mind when you notice this stain, but few know the answer. To learn more and get a sure answer, here is everything you need to know about this stain!
The white spot in the yolk
When we open the egg, it is possible to see a small white spot next to the yolk. Not everyone knows what it is and many often do not know what this white spot really means. This is the chalaza, which is essential for the correct development of the embryo.
The chalaza consists of two cord-like structures, one located in the upper part and the other in the lower part of the yolk. The two structures are mainly composed of mucus and proteins, have a viscous and gelatinous consistency and serve to keep the yolk suspended in the center of the egg white.
Another important role of the chalaza is the rotation of the yolk in the albumen. It allows the embryo to stay right during development and easily feed on the substances contained in the albumen and yolk . The two hailstones present above and below the yolk prevent the yolk from breaking even before the shell opens.
Chalaza occurs in fresh eggs
Therefore, the white spot is formed from egg white threads, which twist and resemble strings. As already mentioned, it is called chalaza and it occurs mainly in fresh eggs where these filaments are more visible.
It is important to know that it is not necessary to remove them, since they are not harmful, so we can leave the stain where it is. And more than that, as soon as you cook the egg, the chalaza disappears and combines with the egg white, becoming one with it.
Therefore, neither dangerous nor harmful to health. Instead, you must be sure that the egg is fresh when the chalaza is present, so you do not have to worry. In fact, it must check if this white spot is also present in the other eggs, as it is a real guarantee of the freshness of the egg.
However, a trick that you must use when you have to prepare the custard and you need the egg is that you must remove the chalaza. It is advisable to do this to prevent the stringy substance from affecting the density of the custard.
As you have understood, you have nothing to worry about if there is chalaza in the egg, on the contrary, this detail ensures the freshness of the egg. Instead, you should worry if it is not there, which means that the egg is not exactly fresh!
