Have you ever wondered how many chicken eggs it would take to equal the size and nutrition of a single ostrich egg? With ostrich eggs weighing in at around 3 pounds each, they absolutely dwarf the chicken eggs most of us are accustomed to using for our morning omelets or baking projects.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the size, nutritional value, and taste differences between chicken and ostrich eggs. We’ll also answer some common questions about how to source, cook, and store ostrich eggs. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of just how many standard chicken eggs fit inside one ostrich egg!
A Massive Size Difference
To start with the obvious, ostrich eggs are huge compared to chicken eggs.
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The average chicken egg weighs around 50 grams and has a volume of 50 mL.
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In contrast, an ostrich egg weighs a whopping 1.4 kg (3 lbs) and has a volume between 1,500–2,000 mL.
To put it simply, it takes approximately 24-28 chicken eggs to equal the volume of a single ostrich egg. The exact number can vary a bit based on the size and grade of the chicken eggs, but that equivalency provides a helpful rule of thumb.
Just imagine how giant an omelet made with an ostrich egg would be! It could easily feed a crowd.
Nutritional Content
Beyond size, ostrich and chicken eggs also differ in their nutritional content However, they share many of the same components
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Both are excellent sources of protein. Ostrich eggs simply contain way more in a single serving.
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Both contain essential vitamins like A, D, E and minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. However, ostrich eggs contain them in greater quantities.
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The main nutritional difference is that ostrich eggs have substantially more cholesterol per gram compared to chicken eggs. However, ostrich eggs also have higher levels of certain beneficial micronutrients.
So while ostrich eggs are not necessarily “healthier” overall, their nutritional makeup is unique.
Taste and Culinary Uses
What about the taste? Ostrich eggs are described as having a richer, almost buttery flavor compared to chicken eggs. The texture is similar, though the large volume provides a very different experience when fried or scrambled.
Due to their size, ostrich eggs can be used creatively:
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They work well for feeding large groups, especially when hard boiled and sliced for deviled eggs.
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They can be featured as a statement ingredient in giant omelets or quiches.
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Bakers can utilize the abundant yolk and whites to make massive cakes or batches of cookies or ice cream.
So while challenging to cook, ostrich eggs provide opportunities for culinary experimentation and novelty.
Sourcing, Cooking, and Storage Tips
Ostrich eggs can be tricky to source and require some special care:
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They can cost $30-$100 per egg since ostriches are rare and expensive to raise.
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Look for ostrich eggs at specialty grocers, directly from breeders, or online.
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Handle the thick, durable shells with care and crack gently with a hammer.
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Cook slowly at lower heats to prevent overcooking and dryness.
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Store raw eggs in the fridge just like chicken eggs for 2-6 weeks.
With their impressive size and nutritional offerings, ostrich eggs are definitely a unique ingredient to try. Just remember it takes about 24-28 chicken eggs to equal one ostrich egg. Give one a crack if you get the chance!
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO WITH OSTRICH EGGS?
While eating ostrich eggs is perfectly fine, we dont sell edible ostrich eggs. Not because we dont think theyre delicious or nutritious, mainly because it would cost too much to get them to consumers, and people likely wouldnt want to pay that much.
Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do with ostrich eggs. For example, empty ostrich eggs that can be used for arts and crafts. They are sold in various sizes and can be painted or repurposed for bigger projects.
Look around online for inspiration. Many people use ostrich eggshells to paint globes, animals, and cool patterns that can really help a room stand out.
Dont worry; ostrich shells come sterilized. The eggs chosen to be sold as empty ostrich eggs were also infertile, so theres no reason to think an ostrich had to die for you to do a fun art project.
In some cultures ostrich eggs have been used for fertility treatment, to ward off bad spirits, and to promote livestock productivity. In ancient times, ostrich eggs were seen as symbols of prosperity, truth, life, and rebirth.
HOW DO YOU COOK OSTRICH EGGS?
You can cook an ostrich egg the same way youd cook chicken eggs. There are plenty of ostrich recipes out there for you to choose from. Youll obviously need a larger cooking apparatus, but its pretty much the same process.
Boiling an ostrich egg is common for people that have never cooked them before. It takes about 60 minutes to soft-boil and 90 minutes or more to hard-boil, depending on size.
Fried or scrambled ostrich eggs are also common methods. Line your pan with non-stick spray or olive oil, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add cheese if you like. Scrambling is probably the easiest method out there.
You could attempt to make an omelet—but youll probably need a very large skillet. Even then, you most likely wont be able to get it thin enough to flip or fold over. Maybe try making a few “smaller” (relatively speaking) omelets instead.
If you like your eggs slightly runny, thats fine, too. You dont need to overcook the egg for fear of bacteria or anything else!
Why don’t people eat ostrich eggs?
FAQ
How many chicken eggs to 1 ostrich egg?
The ostrich egg is equivalent to 24 chicken eggs and the emu egg equivalent to 12 chicken eggs. Both took around 5 minutes to break open. Check out ‘The Grill Sisters Guide To Legendary BBQ’.
Do ostrich eggs taste like regular chicken eggs?
They taste almost identical to chicken eggs, albeit with a bit of a saltier tang to them. Got one passing by an ostrich farm on a road trip through New Mexico. Makes a monstrous serving but they are absolutely delicious with some pepper and a side of potatoes.
How many chicken eggs equal one duck egg?
Generally, one duck egg is roughly equivalent to two chicken eggs, according to multiple sources, though some sources suggest a ratio of 2 duck eggs equaling 3 chicken eggs.
How much do ostrich eggs cost?
Ostrich eggs are about twice the volume of an emu egg, and have a white shell; you can buy one online right now at prices ranging from fifty dollars to $299.99.
How many chicken eggs are in an ostrich egg?
An Ostrich Egg is ~1 Litre, so 1.5 Ostrich Eggs. An Ostrich Egg is ~24 Chicken Eggs, so 36 Chicken Eggs if you mash them into a Pulp after boiling. One Quail Egg is ~1/4 of a Chicken Egg, so you would need about 144 Quail Eggs to do it.
How big are ostrich eggs?
Ostrich eggs are the largest eggs of any living bird species. Ostrich eggs are 6 inches long and can weigh up to 3 pounds. However, they can vary somewhat, with some ostrich eggs being slightly smaller or larger than the average. Ostrich eggs are known for their considerable size and are quite distinct from other bird species.
How many calories are in a ostrich egg?
They are also essential ingredients in baked goods. One ostrich egg contains about 2,000 calories which are more than the total calories in 24 chicken eggs. Additionally, it is made of 45% fat and 47% protein, which is a lot more than what one chicken egg contains.