Say Yes To Yolks!
“Eggs are one of nature’s most perfectly balanced foods with protiens, vitamins (except vitamin C) and minerals, all the essential nutrients necessary for good health”
We tend to turn away from foods that have saturated fats and cholesterol and this notion has become so strong, that we often forget that there are some foods in which we can find most of the essential nutrients. However, we still try to avoid these foods (due to high cholesterol or tat levels) and egg yolks are no different!
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of an egg is divided between the egg white and the egg yolk. An egg contains about five grams of fat (only in the egg yolk), 213mg of cholesterol and 75 calories. They are an excellent source of high biological value protein (as they contain all the essential amino acids) and some B vitamins.
An egg yolk contains carotenoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, E, D, and K, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, thiamine, B6, folate, B12, panthothenic acid, copper, manganese, and selenium.
It also contains essential fatty acids, DHA (Docosahexaenolc acid, a form of omega 3) and AA (arachidonic acid, a form of omega 6) and also provides choline, an essential nutrient for foetal brain development.
An egg yolk contains antioxidants responsible for the construction of the retina called zeaxanthin and lutein. Regular consumption of egg yolks in adequate measures, prevent disorders of the eye like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Storing Egg Yolks
Raw yolks can be stored in airtight boxes in the refrigerator. Covering the yolks with cold water will prevent them from drying. But, the water must be drained our before use.
Egg yolks cannot be used in recipes once they attain their gelatinous nature. However, this process can be delayed by beating in either salt or sugar. depending on the usage whether it is meant for savouries or desserts.
Four yolks approximately required teaspoon of salt or ¼ cup of corn syrup or sugar one and a half teaspoons. The box should be labelled with the date and details of what was added, salt or sugar.
Unusual Uses Of Egg Yolks
Hair Care
Beat an egg yolk with a bit of olive oil and apply it to the hair evenly. Adding a few drops of any scented oil will help with the smell. Leave on for about 20 minutes and rinse with warm water for shiny, soft manageable
Skin Care
Egg yolks are very rich in vitamin A, which helps in moisturizing. Just whisk the egg yolks with some water and use ¡t as a face wash.
Jewellery Care
Eggs contain sulphur, which is the active ingredient in store-bought oxidation solutions. All you need to do is, boil an egg or two (hardboiled yolk is needed), depending on the size of the jewellery. Break up the yolks a bit and place at the bottom of a container that can be easily sealed.
Set a wire rack over the yolks to hold the jewellery above without directly touching the yolks. lf a rack is not available, use some paper towels. Place the jewellery in and then seal the container. Keep it for a day (or longer if you want it darker) and then wash the silver with a bit of soap to get perfectly oxidized silver.