egg yolk

Egg Yolk

Egg yolks are the rich, yellow center of an egg, prized in cooking for their creamy texture and slightly sweet, custardy flavor. They are a key ingredient for emulsifying sauces, adding richness to baked goods, and creating decadent desserts. Fresh egg yolks boast a vibrant color, from pale yellow to deep orange, depending on the hen's diet. Their high fat content contributes to their smooth, velvety mouthfeel, making them a versatile and essential component in countless culinary applications. Discover creative ways to use egg yolks to elevate your dishes!

Common Uses

  • To make rich and creamy sauces such as hollandaise and mayonnaise, egg yolks act as an emulsifier, binding oil and water together for a stable and luscious consistency.- As a key ingredient in custards, creams, and ice creams, egg yolks contribute to a smooth and velvety texture, providing richness and a subtle sweet flavor.- For enriching pasta dough, egg yolks add color, flavor, and tenderness, resulting in a more flavorful and supple pasta.- Used in baking, egg yolks add moisture, tenderness, and a golden color to cakes, cookies, and pastries, enhancing their overall texture and appearance.- Egg yolks are often used to glaze baked goods, creating a shiny and appealing finish for breads, pies, and other pastries.- They can be poached or cured to add a creamy and umami element to salads, appetizers, and main courses.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

55.2kcal (2.76%)

Protein

2.3g (4.6%)

Carbs

0.6g (0.22%)

Sugars

0.1g (0.16%)

Healthy Fat

2.6g

Unhealthy Fat

1.6g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Rich in essential nutrients like choline, crucial for brain health and development.
  • Excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, and K, supporting immune function and bone health.
  • Provides healthy fats and cholesterol, which are important for hormone production and cell structure.
  • Contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, beneficial for eye health and protecting against macular degeneration.
  • A good source of protein, contributing to muscle building and repair.
  • May improve satiety and help regulate appetite due to its fat and protein content.

Storage Tips

Egg yolks are highly perishable and should be used as soon as possible after separating them from the whites. If you need to store them, place the yolks in a small bowl, cover them completely with cold water to prevent a skin from forming, and tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze egg yolks, but they will become thick and gummy. To freeze, whisk the yolks with a pinch of salt or sugar (depending on intended use) to prevent graininess, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

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