Pickled egg facts for kids
 |
|
| Course | hors d'œuvre |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | hard boiled egg, cured in vinegar or brine |
| Nutritional value per 1 egg | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 334 kJ (80 kcal) |
|
5.5 g
|
|
| Saturated | 2 g |
|
Protein
|
7.5 g
|
| Minerals | Quantity
%DV†
|
| Sodium |
4%
56 mg |
| Other constituents | Quantity |
| Cholesterol | 210 mg |
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults. Source: Calorie King |
|
Pickled eggs are hard-boiled eggs that have been soaked in a special liquid. This liquid is usually made of vinegar or a salty water mix called brine. Long ago, people pickled eggs to keep them fresh for a long time. This was a great way to preserve food before refrigerators existed.
Today, pickled eggs are a popular snack or a small dish served before a meal, known as an hors d'œuvre. You can often find them in pubs, bars, and taverns around the world, especially where beer is served.
Contents
How Pickled Eggs Are Made
To make pickled eggs, first, the eggs are hard-boiled. After they cool down, their shells are carefully removed. Then, the peeled eggs are placed into a solution. This solution is usually a mix of vinegar, salt, spices, and other flavors.
The recipes for this pickling solution can be very different. Some are like the traditional brine used for pickles. Others can make the eggs taste sweet or spicy. The final taste of the egg mostly depends on the pickling solution used.
The eggs stay in this solution for a period of time. This can be anywhere from one day to several months. If the eggs stay in the solution for too long, they might become a bit rubbery.
It is important to know that sometimes people used to poke holes in the eggs with a toothpick. This was done to help the pickling liquid get inside the egg faster. However, this is not a safe practice. Poking holes can let harmful things get into the egg, which could make people sick. It's best to pickle eggs without puncturing them to keep them safe to eat.
Pickled eggs can be served in many ways. They can be part of a main meal, served as an hors d'œuvre, or even used as a garnish to decorate other dishes.
Different Types of Pickled Eggs
There are many interesting ways to make pickled eggs around the world. Here are a few popular types:
Pennsylvania Dutch Pickled Beet Eggs
A special kind of pickled egg comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch community. These are called pickled beet eggs. To make them, whole beets, onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, cloves, and sometimes a cinnamon stick are used in the pickling liquid.
The eggs soak up the color from the beets. This makes them turn a pretty pink or even purple color! They also get a unique sweet and sour taste. Pickled red-beet eggs have been a common food at picnics and potlucks in Pennsylvania Dutch country for a long time. They are now a popular snack that you can buy in supermarkets in many places.
Traditional British Pickled Eggs
A typical British recipe for pickled eggs uses eggs, vinegar, salt, and sugar. The eggs are boiled, peeled, and then boiled again with the other ingredients. These pickled eggs can last for about three to four months if stored well. You can traditionally find them in British public houses (pubs) and fish and chip shops. They are a classic snack enjoyed with a drink or a meal.
See also
In Spanish: Solei para niños
