Eggs are a staple ingredient in almost every dish around the world. There’s a reason why we commonly refer to breakfast as “the egg meal”. Eggs are versatile, nutritious, and delicious.
It’s no wonder that the world celebrates World Egg Day every year on the second Friday of October.
A Brief History of World Egg Day
The International Egg Commission established World Egg Day in Vienna in 1996. The goal of this day is to help raise awareness about the benefits of eggs for nutrition and health.
Every year, egg producers, traders, and retailers gather to celebrate and promote the egg industry.
Since then, the popularity of World Egg Day has skyrocketed, with countries all over the world participating in events, social media campaigns, and promotions.
The day aims to educate the public on the importance of eggs in one’s diet and encourage individuals to incorporate eggs into their meals.
Why are Eggs So Popular?
Eggs have been a staple food for thousands of years, and it’s not surprising why. Eggs are nutritious and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function correctly.
They are also versatile and can be included in almost any dish. Eggs are tasty, cheap, long-lasting, and easily accessible.
Eggs and Nutrition
Eggs are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories, with one large egg containing only roughly 80-90 calories. Eggs provide essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who are trying to build muscle and maintain a healthy weight.
Eating eggs can also help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, improve brain function, and boost your overall energy levels. Eggs contain choline, a micronutrient that aids in brain development, hormone production, and liver function.
Choline is essential for pregnant women as it helps in the development of the fetal brain.
Celebrating World Egg Day
World Egg Day is a day to celebrate eggs and all that they have to offer. There are many ways you can incorporate eggs into your meals. Try making an omelet, scrambled eggs, or a frittata for breakfast.
Add hard-boiled eggs to your lunch salad or make egg salad sandwiches. For dinner, try making an eggnog or quiche.
Many countries celebrate World Egg Day by hosting events such as egg-themed cooking contests, bazaars, and exhibitions. These events aim to showcase the versatility of eggs, their nutritional value, and their importance to the global food industry.
Fun Facts About Eggs
Eggs have been a part of human diets for thousands of years, but there’s much more to them than meets the eye. Here are some fun facts about eggs:.
- There are more than 140 varieties of chickens that lay eggs in various colors, including white, brown, and even blue or green.
- The largest egg on record weighed approximately 2.589 kg (5 lb 11.36 oz), and was laid by an ostrich.
- The average hen lays 250-300 eggs per year.
- Fried eggs were served in Ancient Rome to combat hangovers.
- The first egg-laying hens in the United States arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.
- The United States is one of the largest producers of eggs in the world, with over 93 billion eggs produced annually.
The Future of Eggs
World Egg Day aims to promote the importance of eggs, and their future looks bright. The global egg market is expected to grow at a steady rate over the next few years, primarily because of the increasing demand for healthy and natural food products.
Eggs are an excellent source of nutrition, and with the rise of health-conscious consumers, their popularity is only set to increase.
A Final Word
Eggs are not only tasty but nutritious and accessible as well. World Egg Day is a day to celebrate all the amazing benefits that eggs have to offer. Try incorporating eggs into your meals this Friday. You won’t be disappointed.