Why powdered eggs?
Powdered egg is emblematic of all that was was ghastly and difficult about cooking during WWII. At least in Britain, but perhaps also in other countries during that period.
Supposedly it was pretty vile stuff.
Since actual eggs are fairly easy and economical to produce, and store well, I'm wondering what it is about a powdered egg which makes it a better choice than an actual egg in a time of scarcity for a nation at war.
Did it transport better? Or was it just that actual eggs were bulked out (with what, cereals?) to produce the powdered egg, so as to make eggs go further?
Best Answer
From the Wikipedia article on Powdered eggs:
Powdered eggs are fully dehydrated eggs. They are made in a spray dryer in the same way that powdered milk is made. The major advantages of powdered eggs over fresh eggs are the price, reduced weight per volume of whole egg equivalent, and the shelf life (which, when properly sealed, can be 5 to 10 years). Other advantages include smaller usage of storage space, and lack of need for refrigeration. Powdered eggs also have fewer calories and more nutritional value than normal eggs, which suggests that powdered eggs could have been fortified. In powdered eggs, there are 13 different folates and essential vitamins. Powdered eggs can be used without rehydration when baking, and can be rehydrated to make dishes such as scrambled eggs and omelettes. Powdered eggs were used throughout the Second World War for rationing and were widely used during wartime shortages. Powdered Eggs are also known as Dried Eggs.
Powdered eggs lasted longer, were easier to transport and store, and packed a greater nutritional punch than whole eggs.
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Are powdered eggs better than regular eggs?
Powdered Egg carries all the usual nutritional benefits of a fresh egg, without the worry of it going bad! They offer a good source of protein, immune-boosting properties, and antibacterial qualities.Why do restaurants use powdered eggs?
In fact, many restaurants prefer to use powdered eggs over fresh eggs, mainly because when compared to buying fresh eggs in bulk, powdered eggs are far cheaper and have a much longer shelf life.Do powdered eggs taste like real eggs?
It's a crystallized egg and is amazing! The eggs come in powdered form, you just add water, and the shelf life is very long. And they taste and cook just like real eggs.Are powdered scrambled eggs good?
Actually edible. Not much in terms of weird smell or taste. They didn't taste exactly like regular scrambled eggs, but they were okay. My two sons, who love eggs, even ate a few of them.More answers regarding why powdered eggs?
Answer 2
Since actual eggs are fairly easy and economical to produce and store well...
In wartime conditions? It took weeks (or months, in the Pacific) for supplies to reach the front lines, across bumpy or nonexistent roads and with no refrigeration capacity. You'd be mad to rely on perishable food - especially fragile ones! - in such conditions.
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