Salted Duck Egg

Salted duck egg as the name suggests is an egg of the duck that has been salted. Salting is basically done to preserve the fresh eggs for later use. These eggs are also known as green egg because of its green colored smooth eggshell. Salted duck eggs are popular in China and other South Asian Countries. The color, taste and flavor of this duck egg are quite appealing and it also serves as a rich source of nutrition.

 

History of Salted Duck Eggs

Salted duck eggs are said to have originated in China. There is a mention of this egg in Qimin Yaoshu (Essential Techniques for the peasantry) written by Jia Sixie in 6th century AD. This ancient Chinese agricultural text says that the egg of the duck should be soaked in brine for at least a month before it is consumed.

As per the Traditional Chinese Medicine, the salted duck egg is more effective in eliminating the internal heat when compared to unsalted eggs. This salted egg of the duck was also considered to be a cure for diarrhea and the oil, derived from the yolk of the egg was used for eye care.

 

Salted Duck Egg Recipe Overview

Originally, the salted duck egg was prepared by wrapping the fresh egg with a mixture of salt and charcoal or clay. The other method, which is the most common one, makes use of salt brine. The brine is prepared and filled in plastic or glass container. The fresh eggs are put into the container and left for 4-5 weeks. The salting usually takes place in 2-4 weeks, depending upon the temperature of water. If the water is warm, the eggs will salt fast. Once salting is complete, the yolk turns dark colored and hard. If the salting is not complete, the yolk will be light yellow in color. The albumen of the salted duck egg remains runny. Salted eggs must be consumed only after boiling. The salted duck egg is painted with dark maroon color in Philippines.

 

Culinary Use of Salted Duck Egg

  • Salted duck egg taste well when eaten with tomatoes.
  • These eggs are used for preparing a variety of salads.
  • For preparing moon cakes, salted duck egg is used in the pastry.
  • The salted eggs of the ducks are also used for preparing Dim sum.

 

Nutritional Facts of Green Eggs

Salted duck eggs are a potential source of nutrients like protein, fat, amino acids, phosphorus, iron, calcium and various other trace elements that are needed by the human body.

 

Precautions

Green egg is not recommended for pregnant women as it can cause edema. The sodium content of salted duck eggs is more than 10 grams and the salt needed by body ranges from 5-8 grams. Intake of these eggs by pregnant women will lead to excess salt in the body. An expectant mother, with high salt will feel thirstier and will consume more water which can result in over burdening of the kidneys and thus can lead to edema or water retention.

 

Salted Duck Egg Trivia

The salted duck eggs of Gaoyou, Jingsu are the most famous in cities of China as well in South Asian countries. These eggs are made of double yolk and are fresh, delicate, soft and rich.