Volantino

EGGS: A SPECIAL FOOD From a biological point of view, the egg is a female reproductive cell that, once fertilized, contains the complete genetic information for a new life. In birds, the egg contains all the nutrients necessary for the growth of the embryo and is coated by a protective hard shell which, because of its porosity, allows the exchange of gases, such as oxygen, with the outside. On the market there are “eggs” from different animals. The generic term “egg” on the label refers to chicken eggs. Chicken eggs can be classified as A (fresh) or B (second quality eggs for the food industry) depending on freshness, quality and weight. Based on their weight, eggs can be divided into different “sizes”: • XL Extra-large, if the weight is 73g or more • L Large, if the weight is between 63g and 73g • M Medium, if the weight is between 53g and 63g • S Small, if the weight is less than 53g This weight is given by the yolk, egg white and shell, and their proportions may vary depending on the animal’s age, breed, diet, farming method, and other environmental conditions. CHARACTERISTICS SHELL ALBUMEN / EGG WHITE YOLK Can the eggs sold in the supermarket give life to a chick? No, because these eggs have not been fertilized by the rooster: in fact, there are no roosters in the chicken coops where the hens live and lay, so the eggs are never fertilized. FOR THE CURIOUS