Image by Bret Lama

Century egg

Century egg

Century egg recipes

Amazing Century egg recipes sourced from the web.

Image by Bret Lama Century Egg with Silken Tofu

Century Egg with Silken Tofu


/ ( votes)
Cooking time:10 min
Tiffy Cooks
Image by Bret Lama 100 Year-Old Quail Eggs

100 Year-Old Quail Eggs


4.1 / 5 (49 votes)
Cooking time:40 min
Emmymade
Image by Bret Lama Century Egg Salad Recipe

Century Egg Salad Recipe


/ ( votes)
Cooking time:10 min
Serious Eats

The origin of Century egg

Centuries of Culinary Mastery: Unveiling the Enigmatic Tale of the Century Egg

Delving into the annals of gastronomical curiosity, we unveil the enigma that is the Century Egg. This ancient Chinese delicacy, also known as pidan or hundred-year egg, has captured the imagination of adventurous palates across the globe. Its unique appearance, distinct flavor, and long-established roots in Chinese culinary tradition make it a truly fascinating dish that stands the test of time.

Contrary to the imaginative tales associated with its name, the Century Egg is not, in fact, incubated for a century. Rather, it undergoes a meticulous preservation process spanning several weeks or months. This culinary mastery involves the immersion of fresh duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a concoction of salt, wood ash, quicklime, and various other secret ingredients. The eggs are then left to mature in a cool and undisturbed environment, allowing a magical transformation to unfold.

The metamorphosis that occurs during the preservation process gives the Century Egg its unmistakable appearance. The egg white solidifies and takes on a translucent amber hue, reminiscent of the setting sun over the horizon. Meanwhile, the yolk undergoes a mesmerizing color transition, turning into a creamy jade that blossoms with subtle earthy undertones. This extraordinary transformation offers a visual spectacle that both tempts and intrigues the adventurous gastronome.

Beyond its captivating aesthetics, the Century Egg possesses a multifaceted flavor profile that takes the taste buds on a remarkable journey. Breaking through the gelatinous surface unveils a complex amalgamation of contrasting tastes. The richness of the aged yolk harmonizes with a savory umami essence, resulting in a delightful blend of flavors that is simultaneously mellow and bold. From the first bite to the last, the Century Egg presents itself as a culinary enigma, exploring the depths of flavor that transcend time itself.

To truly appreciate the Century Egg, one must understand its historical significance in Chinese culture. Originating in the Hunan province during the Ming Dynasty, this uniquely preserved dish has stood as a symbol of culinary excellence for centuries. It not only showcases the Chinese people's ingenuity in food preservation techniques but also serves as a testament to their deep appreciation for intricate and refined flavors.

Today, the Century Egg continues to captivate the taste buds of adventurous gourmands worldwide. Whether savored in a dish of porridge, enjoyed alongside tofu, or relished as a standalone delicacy, it offers a sensory experience that speaks volumes about the evolution of Chinese cuisine throughout the ages.

In conclusion, the Century Egg is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of Chinese culinary tradition. Its masterful preservation and captivating transformation have earned it a place of honor on dining tables around the world. To embark on a culinary adventure and savor this exquisite delicacy is to appreciate the harmonious interplay of taste, texture, and history, encapsulating centuries of gastronomic mastery in a single bite.

FAQs about Century egg

How many years does it take to make a century egg?

It takes approximately one hundred days to make a century egg.

What does a century egg taste like?

A century egg delights the palate with its uniquely pungent and complex flavor profile. Its taste is an intriguing amalgamation of earthy, umami-rich notes, reminiscent of fermented delicacies from the Orient. With a velvety and custard-like texture, this egg encased in an impressive black gelatinous shell presents a range of flavors that may entice adventurous epicureans. While some may describe it as an acquired taste, others are captivated by its bold and distinctive nature.

Why do century eggs turn black?

Century eggs turn black due to a fascinating chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction, which occurs when the egg undergoes a process of fermentation and preservation. During this intricate transformation, the egg goes through a series of complex biochemical changes, resulting in its characteristic dark coloration.

The Maillard reaction involves the interaction between amino acids and reducing sugars present in the egg, creating a cascade of reactions that eventually lead to the formation of melanoidin pigments. These pigments are responsible for the darkening of the egg's exterior, giving it a rich, ebony hue.

Furthermore, the fermentation process plays a crucial role in the color transformation of century eggs. The egg is traditionally coated with a mixture of clay, ash, salt, and other alkaline substances, which creates a highly alkaline environment. This alkalinity contributes to the breakdown of proteins and fats in the egg, releasing ammonia and various sulfur compounds. As these compounds react with the iron present in the egg, they contribute to the overall darkening of the egg's appearance.

In addition to their captivating color, century eggs also undergo significant changes in taste and texture. The fermentation process results in the development of complex flavors, including hints of umami, earthiness, and even a slight ammoniac undertone. The egg white becomes jelly-like, while the yolk transforms into a rich and creamy custard-like consistency. These alterations make century eggs a uniquely preserved delicacy, valued for their pungent aroma and robust flavor profile.

The intriguing journey that century eggs embark upon to attain their distinct black hue involves intricate scientific processes intertwined with cultural traditions. Whether enjoyed as a delicacy or admired for their intriguing transformation, century eggs continue to captivate and intrigue food enthusiasts around the world.

Types of Century egg

Exploring the Enigmatic Elegance: Decoding the Delights of Century Eggs

Enter a culinary realm where history and tradition meet eccentricity and curiosity - the domain of the enigmatic century eggs. These unique delicacies, also known as thousand-year eggs or pidan, possess a scenic beauty that titillates the senses and tantalizes the taste buds.

But what is a century egg, you may ask? Don't let the name deceive you - these eggs have not, in fact, been buried and aged for a hundred years. This intriguing title refers to the meticulous preservation technique that transforms an ordinary egg into an extraordinary epicurean marvel.

The process begins with carefully selecting fresh duck, chicken, or quail eggs, which are then immersed in a blend of salt, ash, and clay. This mixture is akin to a secret alchemical formulation, as it encases the eggs in a protective shield during their transformative journey.

Over the span of several weeks or months, the magic unfolds within these unassuming shells. The intricate interplay of naturally-occurring chemical reactions and microbial fermentation transforms the egg whites into a translucent, amber jelly, while the yolk undergoes a metamorphosis into a creamy, custard-like center.

The result? A visually captivating masterpiece that captivates both the eyes and the palate. The white, jelly-like substance cloaks the egg, glistening with a mesmerizing jade-like hue. Meanwhile, the yolk emerges with an intense complexity of flavors, ranging from earthy and savory to slightly pungent notes that linger delicately on the tongue.

It is important to note that century eggs come in different variations, each with its own distinct character. For instance, the "regular" century egg boasts a mellow and well-rounded flavor, balanced perfectly between the sweet and the umami. On the other hand, the "thousand-layer" or "pine-pattern" century egg bears a marbled appearance, with intricate patterns adorning its surface, reminiscent of an artist's brushstroke. This variety offers a more pronounced umami flavor, with a subtle hint of minerality.

With such gastronomic treasures, one might wonder how to best savor these delicacies. Century eggs can truly shine when paired with contrasting elements. Consider the dynamic interplay of textures and flavors when combining them with silky tofu, crunchy preserved vegetables, or the fiery kick of chili.

Venturing further, we find that century eggs gracefully extend beyond traditional cuisines. As their unique allure continues to reach global audiences, they inspire innovative culinary creations, offering a touch of eccentricity to high-end dishes, from fusion delicacies to avant-garde creations.

In conclusion, century eggs stand as ambassadors of culinary complexity, embodying a fusion of tradition and creativity. Their jaw-dropping aesthetics and multi-dimensional flavors make them a captivating sensation for both the adventurous and the curious. Embrace the enigma, take the plunge, and let your taste buds dance with delight as you savor the extraordinary flavors of century eggs. Feast upon these unexpected treasures and bask in the delight of culinary excellence that transcends time.