You're Crushing It! Make Your Own Mineral powder from Egg Shells
- mysmallworld4
- Aug 27, 2024
- 3 min read
DIY Calcium Powder:
Make Your Own with Leftover Eggshells for You, Your Pets and Plants
Calcium powder has gained immense popularity over the years, not just for fitness enthusiasts but also for pet owners seeking healthier diets for their furry friends. While I've been hearing people talk about using leftover eggshells for protein powder, it turns out eggs shells have virutally zero protein. To get the protein, you'll need to eat the egg. The shells however are full of calcium and trace minerals which can easily be found by using your left over shells, making it a cost effective and sustainable option. This blog post will guide you through the process, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and baking the eggshells before grinding them.
Why Choose Organic Eggs?
Organic eggs are produced without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones, making them a nutritious option for both humans and pets. While the egg whites and yolks are rich in high-quality protein, the eggshells themselves are also highly beneficial. Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is essential for bone health, muscle function, and overall well-being. By making your own powder from organic eggshells, you can ensure that your product is free from additives and preservatives while benefiting from their mineral content.
The Importance of Cleaning Eggshells
Before you start the process of making your own protein powder from eggshells, cleanliness is paramount. Here’s why you should always clean your eggshells before using them:
1. Hygiene: Eggshells can carry bacteria like Salmonella, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Cleaning the shells thoroughly minimizes the risk of contamination.
2. Better Quality: Washing the shells helps remove any dirt, feces, or other contaminants that may affect the quality of your powder.
How to Clean Eggshells:
1. Use warm water: Rinse the shells under warm running water. Avoid cold water, as it can cause any bacteria to enter through the pores.
2. Use a brush: For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush to gently scrub the shells.
3. Dry thoroughly: Pat the cleaned shells dry with a clean paper towel or cloth before handling them further.
The Importance of Baking Eggshells
After cleaning the eggshells, the next step is to bake them before grinding. This step is crucial for several reasons:
1. Inactivating Bacteria: Baking the eggshells at a low temperature helps kill any lingering bacteria, further ensuring the safety of the protein powder.
2. Improving Nutritional Benefits: Baking helps break down the eggshells, making it easier for your body and your pets to absorb the calcium and other minerals contained in the shells.
3. Creating a Powder: Baking the eggshells helps remove moisture, making it easier to grind them into a fine powder. This results in a smoother texture for use in various recipes.
How to Bake the Eggshells:
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the shells: Place the cleaned eggshells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake: Bake the shells for about 10-15 minutes. This temperature is enough to sterilize them effectively while preparing them for grinding.
4. Cool down: Once baked, let the eggshells cool completely before handling them for grinding.
Grinding the Baked Eggshells
1. Grinding: Using a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor, grind the baked eggshells until you achieve a fine powder consistency.
2. Storage: Store your homemade eggshell powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks. I prefer to use mason jars
Nutritional Value of Eggshell Powder
Eggshell powder is an excellent source of calcium and other trace minerals. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional value per tablespoon (about 10 grams):
- Calories: 3-5
- Protein: 0 grams (eggshells are primarily mineral-based and thus provide minimal protein)
- Calcium: 600-800 mg (about 60-80% of the daily recommended intake)
- Trace Minerals: Includes magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.
How to Use Your Eggshell Powder
Your homemade eggshell powder can be used in numerous ways:
- For You: Add it to smoothies, baked goods, or oatmeal as a natural calcium supplement.
- For Your Pets: Sprinkle some powder over your pet's food or mix it into homemade treats to enhance their nutritional intake safely.
-Your Garden: Sprinkle the powder on the soil near your plants when extra calcium is required
Conclusion
Creating your own mineral powder using leftover eggshells is a fantastic way to provide nutritious benefits for both you, your pets and your gardn. By ensuring that the shells are cleaned and baked properly, you can enjoy a homemade product that is not only safe but also rich in essential minerals. Give it a try and reap the health benefits of your homemade eggshell powder!
See my Video on youtube on how to Make Egg
Comments