The Asian Larder

What Is a Century Egg?

A century egg is a duck, chicken or quail egg preserved for several weeks in a mixture of clay, ash, salt and lime, which turns the white dark and jelly-like and the yolk creamy and green-grey. Despite the name, it is not literally a hundred years old. The process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months.

How to use it

FAQ

Is century egg safe to eat?

Yes, it is a traditional preservation method using alkaline ingredients, not literal decay.

What does it taste like?

Savoury and slightly sulphurous, with a creamy yolk. Milder than the appearance suggests.

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  • Century eggs. Ready-preserved, for congee or as a cold starter.
Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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