Questions & Answers - What is Chalazae?

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Question:

I have one question about eggs for you - Please clarify what the white stringy stuff is inside of an egg when you crack it.  Is this not sperm?  If not, please explain.  Also I had someone tell me that eggs with this white stuff in them are not sold at grocery stores.  I have seen them. Do they screen all of the eggs sold at stores? -  Lisa (5/15/02)

 

Answers:

Chalazae (kuh-LAY-zee) - Ropey strands of egg white which anchor the yolk in place in the center of the thick white. There are two chalazae anchoring each yolk, on opposite ends of the egg. They are neither imperfections nor beginning embryos. The more prominent the chalazae, the fresher the egg. Chalazae does not interfere with the cooking or beating of the white and need not be removed, although some cooks like to strain them from stirred custard.
 

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