Coffee with an Eggshell in It
In the kitchen or garden, eggshells prove to be more than just waste. Here's a look at the nutritional benefits, practical uses, and safety considerations of these often-overlooked items.
Reducing Coffee Bitterness with Eggshells
An old homesteader's secret, adding ground eggshells to coffee can help reduce bitterness and acidity, resulting in a smoother flavour. This effect is primarily due to the calcium carbonate in eggshells, which acts as an alkaline agent that offsets the acidity of coffee. Boiling or adding rinsed, crushed eggshells to the coffee pot also helps settle coffee grounds to the bottom, improving clarity and texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Eggshell Consumption
Rich in calcium, a single eggshell contains about two grams, which is between two to four times the recommended daily dose. Besides calcium, eggshells also contain trace minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, although the latter are more relevant to soil enrichment. Calcium from eggshells can support bone health and potentially aid gut health by reducing inflammation.
Safety Considerations
When considering consuming ground eggshells, it's essential to take some precautions. Properly rinsing eggshells to remove any membranes and reduce bacterial contamination risk is crucial before grinding or adding to food or drink. Grinding eggshells very finely is also recommended to avoid sharp edges that could harm the digestive tract. Consuming eggshells in moderate amounts is advisable to avoid excess calcium intake, which could cause health issues like kidney stones in sensitive individuals. Finally, avoiding raw, uncleaned eggshells is essential to reduce the risk of salmonella contamination.
Using Eggshells as Fertilizer
Eggshells can also be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. To make an eggshell fertilizer, wash the shells, simmer them in water for 30 minutes, let cool, break into small pieces, grind into a fine powder, and add about a tablespoon to plants. Calcium from eggshells helps strengthen plant roots, making them more resistant to diseases and pests.
Other Uses for Eggshells
Beyond the kitchen and garden, eggshells have other practical uses. For example, they can be added to yogurts, juices, smoothies, and porridge for additional nutritional benefits. In the world of beauty, ground eggshells can be mixed with water to create a gentle, exfoliating scrub. Furthermore, eggshells are used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pain.
In conclusion, whether you're brewing coffee, nourishing plants, or seeking a natural remedy, eggshells offer surprising benefits. However, proper cleaning and preparation are essential to ensure safety and avoid potential gastrointestinal irritation.
What about using ground eggshells as a natural antacid to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pain?In the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle, consuming eggshells in moderation can aid gut health by reducing inflammation and potentially support bone health due to the high calcium content.How about utilizing eggshells in food-and-drink, such as adding them to yogurts, juices, smoothies, or porridge for additional nutritional benefits?
