What are Dried or dehydrated egg products.

What are Dried or dehydrated egg products.

Known also as egg solids, dried egg products have been produced in the United States since 1930. Demand was minimal until World War II when production reached peak levels to meet military and lend-lease requirements. Present- day technology – such as glucose removal and improved multi-stage dryers – has greatly improvedthe quality of dried eggs. Dried egg products are used in a wide number of convenience foods and in the foodservice industry.

Dried eggs for foodservice are sold in 6-ounce pouches, and 3- and 25-pound poly-packs. For commercial use, 5-, 25- and 50- pound boxes and 150-, 175- and 200-pound drums are available.

For home use, dried egg products include dried egg whites in 3- to 8-ounce fiberboard and metal canisters sold in supermarkets, meringue powders often available at gourmet outlets and freeze- dried egg products found in camping goods stores.

Unopened dried egg products may be stored at room temperature as long as they are kept cool and dry. Tightly seal and refrigerate opened containers. Reconstituted egg products should be used immediately or refrigerated and used that day.