The Long Shelf Life of Powdered Eggs: An Essential Survival Food
Convenient to store, easy to prepare, and lasting up to 25 years, powdered eggs are a magical lifesaver when it comes to survival. So you may be wondering whether powdered eggs are nutritious, what they contain, and how to store and cook them.
Powdered eggs are not an egg substitute because they are made with real eggs. If you are allergic to real eggs, you will have the same issue with the powdered variety. Production begins when eggs are washed and cracked open. The liquid is then filtered and chilled, which destroys bacteria such as salmonella. Next, the egg liquid is dried, usually through a spray-drying process, which produces a free-flowing powder. It is important to only buy powdered eggs that are made from whole eggs.
The Benefits of Powdered Eggs
Over the years, eggs have received their share of unjustified hard knocks, due to the cholesterol in the yolks. While eggs have cholesterol, eating them judiciously is actually healthy for a majority of people—it is the sides like bacon and sausage that are not so good for you. Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins A and D, amino acids, and are also high in choline, a nutrient that is vital for brain development and is hard to obtain in other foods. Powdered eggs have a higher sodium content due to sodium aluminosilicate, an anti-caking additive that enables the powder to flow smoothly. If you have issues with high blood pressure, keep the sodium content in mind.
Powdered eggs are a terrific choice for vegetarians because they are one of the few non-meat options that are a complete protein. With a 25-year shelf life, powdered eggs can be used for a wide array of recipes that call for eggs including cakes, scrambled eggs, and casseroles. They can be used without rehydration when baking, or can be rehydrated to make dishes such as omelets. If you have ever complained about the messiness of using half an egg in a recipe, you certainly won’t have that problem with powdered eggs.
Powdered eggs are less expensive than fresh eggs, do not require refrigeration, and can be easily transported anywhere. The container should be stored in a dark, cool place. The many benefits of powdered eggs make them a must-have for survivalists and camping enthusiasts alike!
