Powdered Eggs

Powdered eggs, or dehydrated eggs, are very versatile. They can be added with the dry ingredients when baking and act exactly like the "real thing" would act in the recipe - this is because they are the "real thing." Following is information on the different types of powdered eggs, along with some suggestions on how to use them.

Advantages of Using Powdered Eggs vs. Fresh Eggs There are many real advantages to using powdered eggs over fresh eggs. The fact that powdered eggs are a non-perishable food when stored in an airtight container is their greatest advantage. Stored in the absence of oxygen and placed in a cool storage environment, powdered eggs have a storage life of 5 to 10 years. This means that they can be included in stored dried mixes - alleviating the need for having fresh eggs on hand.

There are several other advantages. You never have to worry about dropping and breaking a dehydrated egg - and dehydrated eggs store in a much smaller space. A dozen fresh eggs take up about 122 cubic inches in their carton. When the eggs are powdered, this is reduced to less than 22 cubic inches per dozen powdered eggs. Not only will this free up room in your refrigerator, a can of powdered eggs requires no refrigeration and stores for months in your pantry.

How Are Powdered Eggs Made?Powdered eggs are made in a spray dryer much in the same way that powdered milk is made. The finished product is a free flowing powder that reconstitutes into a product similar to fresh whipped eggs.

What Are The Different Types of Powdered Eggs?

Whole Powdered Eggs
Whole powdered eggs contain the whole egg (whites and yolk) and are very versatile in baking. They can be added with the dry ingredients when baking and act exactly like the "real thing" would act in the recipe. Whole egg powder can be used successfully to make mayonnaise. It thickens pudding just like fresh eggs, and can be used to make omelets and scrambled eggs. They can even be used to make Eggnog.

Powdered Egg Whites
Powdered egg whites contain just the white of the egg and work just as well in recipes as egg whites that have been hand-separated. A huge advantage of using powdered egg whites is that it does not require going through the tedious process of separating the yoke from the white yourself nor do you have to find an alternate use for those yokes that are left over. Egg white powder is a lot less messy than separating fresh eggs which also make them a great time saver. They are perfect for whipping into a meringue. In fact, another name for them is meringue powder.

Powdered Egg Mix
Powdered egg mix is mostly whole egg powder with a bit of powdered milk and vegetable oil blended into the powder. The powdered egg mix has been formulated to make scrambled eggs, omelets or French toast. It is especially well suited for camping trips and other outings.

Once Opened, How Long Will Powdered Eggs Last?Stored in the absence of oxygen and placed in a cool storage environment, powdered eggs have a storage life of 5 to 10 years. Once a container of powdered eggs has been opened, it is comparable to any other dehydrated dairy product and shelf-life would be measured in weeks or a month. Many people opt to refrigerate the remaining portion or only open as small a container as possible. If the goal is to keep the remaining powdered eggs long-term, it is a good idea to re-pack the remaining portion in a smaller container with an oxygen absorber. Using a food saver vacuum packer or using Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers from the cannery, you can take out small portions at a time and re-pack to make your can of powdered eggs last a very long time. Keep in mind that the eggs will only store as well as the condition of the original product - and therefore, should be free of moisture and oxygen.

Powdered eggs are also safe as well as economical if stored correctly. Depending on where you buy them, they are about $.15 per egg. Just for your information, Honeyville grain will ship any size order for just $4.49 no matter how much you order. Their whole eggs are on sale right now for $82.99 a case making them less than $15 a can which is a great price; a good storage investment. Check it out at http://store.honeyvillegrain.com/powderedwholeeggscan.aspx