When it comes to cooking, egg size can make all the difference. Whether you’re baking a cake, frying an egg, or making an omelet, the size of your eggs can have a significant impact on the recipe outcome. But have you ever wondered what size eggs restaurants use?
In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of eggs, their uses in cooking, and why they matter to restaurants. We’ll investigate the egg size preferences of different types of restaurants and how they source their eggs. We’ll also dive into the most common size of eggs used in restaurants and the reasons behind their preference.
So, if you’re a foodie who wants to learn more about the impact of egg size on cooking, or if you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes operations of the restaurant industry, keep reading!
The different sizes of eggs
When it comes to eggs, size matters. Eggs come in various sizes, ranging from small to jumbo, and each size has its unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at the different sizes of eggs, their characteristics, and their uses in cooking.
Classification of eggs by size
Eggs are classified by weight per dozen, with the following sizes being the most common:
- Small eggs: Weighing 18 ounces per dozen, small eggs are typically used in baking or for those who prefer smaller portions.
- Medium eggs: Weighing 21 ounces per dozen, medium eggs are a common size for baking or for those who prefer medium-sized portions.
- Large eggs: Weighing 24 ounces per dozen, large eggs are the most commonly used eggs in cooking and baking.
- Extra-large eggs: Weighing 27 ounces per dozen, extra-large eggs are often used in recipes that require more liquid or as a substitute for large eggs.
- Jumbo eggs: Weighing 30 ounces per dozen, jumbo eggs are the largest eggs available and are often used for recipes that require more eggs, such as custards or quiches.
Comparison of different sizes
Different egg sizes have varying characteristics that can impact recipe outcomes. Here are some differences to consider:
- Weight and volume differences: As egg size increases, so does the weight and volume of the egg. This can impact the amount of liquid in a recipe and the overall texture of the dish.
- Nutritional differences: While the macronutrient content of eggs remains consistent across sizes, smaller eggs have fewer calories and less cholesterol than larger eggs.
- Flavor differences: Some people prefer the taste of smaller eggs, while others prefer larger eggs.
Uses of different sizes in cooking
Different egg sizes are better suited for different types of cooking:
- Baking: Large eggs are the most common size used in baking, but the size can vary depending on the recipe. Smaller eggs are preferred in recipes that require more yolks, while larger eggs are preferred in recipes that require more whites.
- Cooking: Medium or large eggs are the most commonly used eggs in cooking. Small or medium eggs are used for boiling, poaching, or frying, while larger eggs are used for omelets or frittatas.
- Poaching: Medium-sized eggs are ideal for poaching, as they hold their shape well.
- Frying: Smaller eggs are preferred for frying, as they cook faster and are easier to handle.
Understanding the different sizes of eggs and their uses can help you make better recipe decisions and create more delicious dishes.
Eggs in restaurants
Eggs are a staple ingredient in many restaurant dishes, from breakfast items like eggs Benedict to baked goods like cakes and custards. But what size eggs do restaurants use, and how do they source them? Let’s take a closer look at the role of eggs in the restaurant industry.
Egg size can have a significant impact on recipe outcomes, which is why restaurants need to pay close attention to the size of the eggs they use. Consistent egg size is crucial for recipe consistency and customer satisfaction.
Types of restaurants that use eggs
Many types of restaurants use eggs in their dishes, including:
- Breakfast restaurants: These restaurants often have a variety of egg dishes on their menus, making egg size and quality crucial to their success.
- Bakeries: Eggs are a common ingredient in baked goods, making egg size and freshness a top priority for bakeries.
- Fast-food chains: Fast-food chains that serve breakfast items, like McDonald’s or Dunkin’, rely heavily on eggs in their menus.
How restaurants source their eggs
Restaurants can source their eggs in several ways, including:
- Directly from farms: Some restaurants partner with local farms to source their eggs directly, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Through distributors: Other restaurants purchase their eggs from distributors, who source eggs from multiple farms.
- Local vs. national suppliers: Some restaurants may choose to source their eggs from local suppliers, while others may opt for national suppliers that offer more consistent pricing and availability.
Regardless of how restaurants source their eggs, ensuring consistency in egg size and quality is crucial for recipe success and customer satisfaction.
The most common size of eggs used in restaurants
While restaurants may use different sizes of eggs depending on their menu items, the most common size used in restaurants is large eggs. Here’s why:
Factors influencing the size of eggs used
Several factors influence the size of eggs used in restaurants, including:
- Menu items: The size of eggs used will depend on the type of dishes on the menu. For example, restaurants that serve omelets may prefer larger eggs, while those that serve baked goods may prefer medium or large eggs.
- Cost: Larger eggs may be more expensive than smaller eggs, so cost can be a determining factor in the size of eggs restaurants choose to use.
- Customer preferences: Some customers may prefer larger or smaller eggs, so restaurants may choose to use a certain size to cater to their preferences.
The reasons why restaurants prefer a particular size
Large eggs are the most commonly used eggs in restaurants for several reasons, including:
- Consistency in recipe outcomes: Using a consistent size of eggs ensures that recipes turn out the same each time they’re made.
- Ease of use in kitchen operations: Large eggs are easier to handle and crack than smaller eggs, making them more efficient for kitchen operations.
- Cost-effectiveness: While larger eggs may be more expensive per egg, they offer more egg content, making them more cost-effective for restaurants.
The benefits of using a specific size of eggs
Using a consistent size of eggs can offer several benefits for restaurants, including:
- Improved efficiency in kitchen operations: Using a consistent size of eggs can help speed up kitchen operations, as chefs don’t need to worry about adjusting recipes for different egg sizes.
- Consistent recipe outcomes: Using a consistent size of eggs ensures that recipes turn out the same each time they’re made, which can help maintain customer satisfaction.
- Cost savings: Using a consistent size of eggs can help restaurants save money by purchasing eggs in bulk and ensuring that they use all eggs before they expire.
Understanding why restaurants prefer a specific size of eggs can help us make better recipe decisions at home and appreciate the behind-the-scenes operations of the restaurant industry.
FAQs
What is the most common egg size?
The most common egg size used in restaurants, as well as in many home kitchens, is large eggs. While restaurants may use different sizes of eggs depending on their menu items, large eggs are typically the go-to size due to their consistency, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Large eggs are the most common size used in baking, cooking, and frying, and they’re a popular choice for making omelets and frittatas. While different egg sizes have varying characteristics that can impact recipe outcomes, large eggs are a versatile and reliable option that can help you achieve consistent and delicious results in your cooking.
What size eggs are used in commercial kitchens?
In commercial kitchens, such as those found in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses, the most common size of eggs used is large eggs. This is because large eggs offer consistency, are easy to handle and crack, and are cost-effective for the kitchen operations. However, depending on the menu items, commercial kitchens may use other sizes of eggs, such as medium or extra-large eggs. The size of eggs used can vary depending on the recipe, the cost, and the customer preferences. Regardless of the size of eggs used, commercial kitchens prioritize consistency in egg size and quality to ensure that their recipes turn out the same each time they’re made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, egg size plays a significant role in cooking and is especially important in the restaurant industry. Understanding the different sizes of eggs and their uses can help us make better recipe decisions at home, while knowing the egg size preferences of restaurants can give us a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry.
We learned that large eggs are the most commonly used eggs in restaurants due to their consistency, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Restaurants source their eggs from a variety of suppliers, including local farms and national distributors, and pay close attention to the size and quality of the eggs they use.
By understanding the importance of egg size in cooking and in the restaurant industry, we can appreciate the thought and care that goes into creating delicious dishes. So next time you’re cooking or dining out, pay attention to the size of the eggs used and how they impact the recipe outcome. Who knows, it might just make you appreciate your breakfast omelet or birthday cake even more!
