Eggs are incredibly versatile and nutritious. From scrambled eggs for breakfast to baked goods, eggs are a staple ingredient in cuisines around the world.
But what do you do with the shells after cracking open the eggs? Most people just throw them away, not realizing that eggshells have many uses, especially in cooking.
What is Eggshell Powder?
Eggshell powder is simply eggshells that have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and ground into a fine powder. It is commonly used as a natural calcium supplement, but also has several culinary uses.
Eggshells are made up of about 94% calcium carbonate. This makes eggshell powder an excellent source of calcium, as well as other trace minerals like magnesium, boron, and strontium.
Unlike synthetic calcium supplements, the calcium in eggshell powder is highly bioavailable, meaning our bodies can easily absorb and utilize it. Several studies have confirmed that eggshell powder is as effective, if not more effective, than regular calcium supplements at boosting calcium levels.
How to Make Eggshell Powder
Making eggshell powder at home is easy and requires just a few simple steps:
- Rinse any residual egg white from the shells and let them dry completely. It's best to start with very clean shells.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the eggshells. Boil for 5-10 minutes to sterilize. This kills any bacteria.
- Spread the boiled shells on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F until completely dry and brittle, about 20-25 minutes. The low oven temperature helps fully dehydrate the shells.
- Grind the dried shells into a fine powder using a coffee grinder, spice grinder, food processor, or high-speed blender. Store in an airtight container.
Key Takeaway: Making eggshell powder just requires sterilizing, drying, and grinding the shells into a fine powder.
Culinary Uses for Eggshell Powder
Now let's look at some of the ways you can use this calcium-rich powder in cooking and baking:
1. Add it to Smoothies
One of the easiest ways to use eggshell powder is to simply stir some into your morning smoothie. About 1/2 teaspoon provides 400-500mg of highly absorbable calcium, making it an easy way to meet your daily calcium needs.
The powder blends seamlessly into thicker smoothies and you won't even taste it. Try adding it to smoothies with ingredients like yogurt, bananas, peanut butter, or cocoa powder.
2. Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste
Eggshell powder can be used in place of calcium powder in natural, homemade toothpaste recipes. The eggshell calcium helps remineralize tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
It also acts as a mild abrasive to help remove plaque and stains from teeth. Simply use eggshell powder instead of calcium carbonate in any homemade toothpaste recipe.
3. Facial Exfoliant
The mildly abrasive texture of eggshell powder makes it the perfect natural ingredient for facial exfoliants. It gently removes dead skin cells and impurities without irritating sensitive skin.
To make a simple exfoliating face mask, mix 1 teaspoon eggshell powder with 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Apply to damp skin and gently scrub in circular motions before rinsing. Follow with a moisturizer.
4. Soothing Skin Salve
Eggshell powder can even be used to make skin salves that help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Simply mix eggshell powder with a bit of coconut oil or olive oil to form a paste. Apply to minor cuts, burns, bug bites or rashes to promote healing.
5. Calcium-Rich Broth
Simmering eggshell powder in broths and stocks infuses them with extra calcium and minerals. Add a teaspoon of eggshell powder to the pot when making homemade chicken, vegetable or bone broths.
The eggshells will dissolve during the long cooking time, releasing their nutrients into the broth. Strain before using the mineral-rich broth in soups, stews or gravies.
6. Natural Coffee Creamer
Coffee lovers can use eggshell powder to make a calcium-rich, natural creamer. Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon powder into 1 tablespoon of heated cream, milk, or non-dairy milk.
Stir the mixture into your morning coffee for a smooth, creamy drink with an extra boost of nutrients. The eggshell powder won't alter the flavor.
7. Nutrient-Dense Sauces
Incorporate eggshell powder into any homemade sauce, gravy, dip, or salad dressing for an easy calcium boost. The powder will dissolve into the liquid ingredients.
For example, add 1/4 teaspoon into a blender when making caesar salad dressing, ranch dip, tomato sauce, or hollandaise sauce.
8. Baking Powder Substitute
In a pinch, eggshell powder can be used in place of baking powder to help baked goods rise. Simply use 1/4 teaspoon eggshell powder for every 1 teaspoon baking powder a recipe calls for.
The calcium carbonate in the powder produces carbon dioxide when heated, making baked treats light and fluffy.
9. Anti-Caking Agent
A pinch of eggshell powder can help keep powdered spices, nutritional supplements, and other baking ingredients free-flowing. The calcium carbonate absorbs moisture, preventing clumping.
Lightly dust eggshell powder over powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, protein powders, matcha powder, and more to keep them fresh and clump-free.
10. Nutrient-Dense Bread
For an extra healthy loaf of homemade bread, add 1 tablespoon eggshell powder per 1 cup of flour in any bread recipe. The eggshell calcium will be released during baking.
Or sprinkle some powder over the dough before baking. Try this with breads, pizza dough, rolls, and more.
Eggshell Powder for Pets
In addition to using it in cooking, eggshell powder can be fed to dogs, cats, and backyard chickens as a calcium supplement too.
For pets, simply sprinkle some powder into their food. Check with your vet for recommended amounts based on your pet's needs.
Chickens will naturally peck at eggshells. Leave a bowl of coarsely ground powder available so they can consume what they need.
Storing Eggshell Powder
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, eggshell powder can last for up to 1 year. Keep it away from moisture and high humidity.
If it develops an unpleasant odor or you see any molds, it's best to throw it out and make a fresh batch. Properly stored powder should have no discernible smell or taste.
Safety Tips When Consuming Eggshell Powder
- Always use eggshells from pasture-raised, organic eggs when making edible powder. Conventional eggs may have higher levels of contaminants.
- Make sure shells are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized by boiling before grinding into powder.
- Start with a small amount and work up to the recommended 1/2 teaspoon per day, especially if you have digestive issues.
- Take eggshell powder with food or liquids to minimize any stomach irritation.
- Check with your doctor before taking eggshell powder if you have health conditions impacted by calcium levels.
FAQs
Can I just eat eggshells whole?
It's best to grind shells into a fine powder rather than consuming whole pieces. The powder is easier for your body to digest and absorb. Whole eggshell fragments could potentially irritate the digestive tract.
Do I have to boil the shells before making powder?
Boiling the shells first is highly recommended to kill bacteria like salmonella. It also removes any egg residue left inside the shell.
How much powder should I take daily?
About 1/2 teaspoon of eggshell powder provides 400-500mg of calcium, which meets the daily requirement for most adults. Check with your doctor to determine the right amount for your needs.
What's the best way to grind eggshells into powder?
A dedicated coffee grinder or high-powered blender like a Vitamix work best to make the finest powder. A food processor or mortar and pestle can also work.
Can I give eggshell powder to my kids?
Yes, in age-appropriate amounts. Check with your pediatrician for dosage recommendations based on your child's individual calcium needs. Mix into smoothies or food for easy consumption.
Conclusion
Eggshells are a nutritional powerhouse rather than a waste product. Turning them into an ultra-fine powder taps into their many culinary uses, from adding calcium to drinks and recipes to baking applications. With just a bit of preparation, eggshell powder is simple to make at home.
Incorporating a 1/2 teaspoon or so into your daily diet is a safe, natural way to boost your calcium intake. Eggshell powder also has uses for DIY natural beauty products, pet supplements, and fertilizing gardens.