New Delhi: Imagine peeling a hard-boiled egg only to discover that its whites remain completely transparent instead of turning solid. A recent viral Reddit post claims that this is precisely what happens when a penguin egg is boiled. While some find the idea intriguing, others remain unconvinced.
But is this really possible? Though NDTV couldn’t independently confirm the claim, a 2022 IFLScience report suggests there is actual scientific reasoning behind it.
Why Don’t Penguin Eggs Turn White?
Unlike chicken eggs, which develop an opaque white when cooked, penguin eggs reportedly retain a gel-like transparency. According to IFLScience, this is due to the unique composition of proteins in the egg whites. Unlike chicken eggs, which are rich in ovalbumin, penguin eggs contain around 25% penalbumin—a protein that helps them withstand Antarctica’s freezing conditions. This difference prevents the albumen from turning completely solid white.
Are Penguin Eggs Edible?
Historically, Antarctic explorers depended on penguin meat and eggs for sustenance. The Gentoo penguins, known for laying multiple eggs each season, were a primary source of food. However, collecting penguin eggs is now illegal in most places, except in regions like the Falkland Islands, where special permits allow it.
Interestingly, the eggs reportedly have a fishy taste due to the penguins’ krill-based diet, with early explorers preferring to eat them with vinegar. In the Falklands, they’ve even been used to prepare pavlova desserts.
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