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When did people start consuming eggs?
Eggs in ancient times
It is impossible to pinpoint when Man first began to consume eggs. The production of eggs for human consumption parallels the domestication of the first farm birds. However, its consumption has been known previously in some areas of Southeast Asia and part of the East and India since 3,000 BC. They were consumed sporadically by direct collection from nature.
Eggs in the history of humankind
Eggs have not only been valued throughout history as a nutritious food, but they have also had great relevance in various situations throughout history, whether as a symbol, as art in painting, as religious culture during the celebration of Easter, etc.
In some eastern areas, the so-called “Thousand-year eggs” has been made through dyeing processes and for thousands of years. They are so called, since the white is black and the yolk is golden, which gives them a very peculiar ancient appearance.
Importance of eggs along the history
In Roman times, eggs were highly valued and consumed as a snack, but they have also been prized for their adhesive properties. For this reason, they have become part of the elaboration of certain paints, which were used to create highly prized paintings and decorations from the time of the Egyptians and Persians through the medieval period, and even by famous painters like Leonardo da Vinci.
Eggs have been so important in the past that, during the Middle Ages, this food was used as payment.
In what we now know as Europe, these traditions and customs began to be widely implemented approximately 600 years before Christ. Not only eggs from chickens were consumed, but also those of other animals such as ducks, although in smaller quantities.
Eggs in the Christian tradition
Regarding its use in Christian celebrations, such as Easter eggs, we must bear in mind that the production of this food is scarce in winter, but very abundant in spring. Even so, at that time, as there was a prohibition of its consumption as with meat just as with meat, it was necessary to bless it in order to be used. This tradition, although in a different way, is still in force today.
Currently, and for the two centuries, Christians have celebrated Easter and included eggs in their celebrations as a symbol. Nowadays it has now become a tradition that they are made with chocolate.
Eggs today
Little by little, over the years, many technological improvements and artificial light, egg production has been increasing based on processes or systems that increase this productivity and worsen the living conditions of the animal.
Modern egg production techniques include systems that modify the genetics of hens to make them more productive and lay more eggs.
Currently, its commercialization for reasons of food safety and hygiene entails compliance with a series of laws and regulations, which have led to the production of new products and ways of obtaining this food, either whole or separated into white and yolk. These products are called Egg Products and are marketed packaged and pasteurized.
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