Century Eggs: A Chinese Delicacy That’s Stood the Test of Time

This isn’t just any egg! 🥚

Have you heard of the famous ‘Century Egg,’ also known as the ‘Millennium Egg’? It’s a delicacy with deep roots in Chinese culinary tradition, and as the name suggests, it has been enjoyed for… well, centuries!

While the name might make you think these eggs are preserved for a hundred years, the reality is a little less extreme, but no less interesting.

Century eggs are typically made using duck or quail eggs, which are preserved in a unique mixture of water, salt, coal, and calcium oxide for around 100 days. During this time, the egg undergoes a fascinating transformation: the egg white turns into a clear, amber-coloured gelatin, and the yolk becomes dark, with a creamy texture and rich, complex flavour.

Century eggs offer a bold combination of salty, sweet, and earthy flavours that might remind adventurous eaters of blue cheese. They’re beloved across China, where they are commonly enjoyed as a snack or in traditional dishes. These eggs are more than just tasty—they’re packed with nutritional benefits!

How to Enjoy Century Eggs

Century eggs can be enjoyed in various ways, often as part of a larger dish rather than on their own. One of the most popular ways to savour them is in congee (rice porridge). A famous dish called 皮蛋瘦肉粥 (pídàn shòuròu zhōu), or century egg and lean pork congee, is a savory comfort food that perfectly balances the creamy texture of the egg with tender pork and fragrant rice. Century eggs can also be sliced and added to salads for a unique flavor twist. It's important to avoid eating them directly without seasoning, as they are meant to complement other ingredients. If you'd like to try them for the first time, there's a beginner-friendly recipe below!

Grab Yours Today!

A Simple Recipe to get you started... Tofu with Century Egg Salad (皮蛋豆腐) Ingredients: 1 block (450 g) of silken tofu, cubed 2 century eggs, cubed 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce) 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil 1 green onion, thinly sliced   Instructions: Place the cubed tofu in a large bowl. Layer the cubed century eggs on top. Drizzle with light soy sauce and sesame oil, then garnish with sliced green onions. Serve cold as a refreshing appetizer. For best enjoyment, use a spoon to get a mix of all the ingredients in each bite. You can adjust the flavour by adding more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if desired. Note: To make this dish gluten-free, swap the soy sauce with tamari. Recipe from: omnivorescookbook.com

So, are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and taste this intriguing delicacy? Add a pack of century eggs to your cart right here in our online store and enjoy!