The Value of An Egg
What is an Egg? Scientifically speaking, an egg is an organic vessel which
contains the zygote, the first stage for giving birth to a new life in biology. The egg is
composed of 4 main parts namely: the shell, the shell membrane, the albumen (the egg
white), and the yolk. The shell of an egg or the eggshell is almost entirely made up of
calcium carbonate and its purpose is to protect the egg contents against physical
damage and contamination. The shell membrane, on the other hand, is the shell inside
the eggshell. It is very thin, smooth, and almost unnoticeable because it is crystal clear
and is used as a dietary supplement. Lastly are the contents of the egg, the albumen
and the yolk which we’re all familiar with. The two are almost similar and different, why?
Let's find out.
They egg white and the yolk is similar since they are both the source of nutrients,
like protein, mineral, and vitamin. Did you know that they are dependent on each other
because their purpose is for one another? According to cambridge’s website
(cambridge.org) the albumen serves as a cushion to yolk and it contains the reservoir
for proteins and other nutrients. While the nutrient-bearing portion, thus the yolk,
supplements the growth of the egg on its whole. Between the egg white and the yolk,
the crucial fact is that the yolk is more nutritious than the albumen but it still doesn’t
mean that the yolk is the best choice between the two because the egg white contains
less calories. We all know that everything has advantages and disadvantages. That is
why I believe there’s no correct and incorrect option and it will all depend on our needs
and preferences.
Moving on, the eggshell of an egg is modified from one type of egg to another.
There are many types of eggs, beside the eggs laid by chickens, we have the duck
eggs, ostrich eggs, goose eggs, quail eggs, and turkey eggs; Each type of egg is
distinguishable. Chicken Eggs are the most popular, Duck Eggs are quite larger than
the chicken’s, while Goose Eggs are much larger than the two mentioned. The biggest
type is the Ostrich Eggs which are 6 inches in diameter while the smallest is the Quail
Eggs. Their tastes range from rich to buttery, and sometimes more flavorful than meat.
But can you imagine not having to taste egg in your entire life like it didn’t even
exist? A world without eggs sounds like the teaser for a science-fiction or a horror
movie. Why? It is because it is a basic ingredient in cooking from simple dishes such as
omelette, egg sandwich, and scrambled egg, as well as in baking cakes and cupcakes,
and in making crepes and custards. Eggs have been the most versatile food for a very
long time. The domestication of eggs started around 6000 B.C in China. Back then,
peafowl eggs were popular in Ancient Rome, pigeon eggs in China, and in Phoenicia
they had ostrich eggs, in modern times this region is now considered as Syria and
Israel. Eggs’ popularity in the cooking industry is very consistent not just because it is
rich in nutrients but it also goes well with other foods. In addition, eggs, particularly
chicken and quail eggs, are affordable yet high-quality.
In a nutshell, the value of an egg can't be easily authenticated. Yes, they are
cheap but that’s what made it special, it is affordable so that many could eat food with
nutrition at low-cost. It is similar to Philippines’ 1-peso coin where Dr. Jose Rizal’s face
is engraved which is said to be arranged that way so that many could remember and
recognize the face of the hero of our country. The value of an egg also varies depending
on where it came from, as well as it’s type, size, and how it is raised. Either way, all of
them or rather, all kinds of eggs are significant because they became a part of our
everyday diet. It is healthy for both our body and our wallet; It is easy to access and
could be a long-term source of food; It is also used in various cooking such as in baking,
and; Without the eggs it also means that animals that lay eggs will not be able to
reproduce and they will be extinct.
Now let me ask you: What is the Value of An Egg? Is it Easily obtained through
the means of its price or through the benefits and its nutritional value?
Submitted by:
A.K.M.Y
