With Easter just around the corner, eggs are on the brain! From candy coated to foil wrapped to cream filled, the egg icon has come a long way from its original intentions of symbolizing rebirth (what bunnies and chickens have to do with Passover is still up for debate!).
Like many families, you might enjoy the tradition of dunking and decorating hard boiled (or uncooked and hollowed) eggs for this holiday. But as thousands upon thousands of these delectable domes leave supermarket selves this weekend, let’s consider some uses beyond the ornamental. We hope you’ll l’oeuf the results!
1. My personal favourite use for eggs is, of course, eating them! In addition to making a tasty snack, eggs are also jammed with essential proteins and amino acids. These help reduce muscular degeneration and help keep your hair and nails healthy and strong.
If you’re watching your wasteline this Easter after a number of rich holiday meals, one hardboiled egg is quite filling, giving you more bang for your calorie buck! Like nuts and avocados, eggs have the useful kind of fat, only 5 grams of it at that and only 76 calories.
When selecting your eggs, keep an eye of these labels:
Natural
- These eggs must be approved by the USDA to have no artificial colors and ingredients. Almost all eggs these days are natural, so if the carton doesn’t read it, maybe you’re in the wrong grocery store!
Certified Organic
- the hens laying your eggs roam freely outdoors and consume an organic feed
Certified Humane
- Strictly regulated by the Humane Farm Animal Care organization, these hens roam stress-free in a spacious zone under the care of professionally trained farmers.
2. Compost and is always a great idea. In addition to making your soil rich and fertile, the sharp surfaces of crushed egg shells also deter snails and slugs from reaching your plants. The vitamins in egg shells are also particularly useful for cacti fertilizer.
Also, let’s not forget the carton itself. These soft, biodegradable egg holders are great for absorbing excess water in your compost.
3. For years now, farmers have used ground up egg shells in chicken feed to provide calcium and other essential minerals. Try doing the same thing for your dog or cat’s wet food. Like your own hair and nails, the vitamins in the eggshells keep your pet’s coat thick and shiny. Make sure you use the eggshells from your boiled eggs only though, as you’ll need to kill the bacteria first.
4. Many farmer’s markets and local grocery stores, especially mom-and-pop run, will refill your old egg carton. Give it a try next time you’re in.
5. The little compartments of egg cartons have endless reusable options, from sewing kits to jewelry boxes. However, try keeping glassware like lightbulbs or, that other big holiday’s accessories, Christmas ornaments in egg cartons.
6. All the energy put into beautifying those eggs don’t have to go to waste after Easter. Instead, consider using the already-decorated, pre-hollowed shells as tea light sized candles. Simple crack open the top of the shell, fill with wax (a funnel helps), scented with your favourite essential oil and a wick and voila! Place the candles on egg holders and you’ve got yourself a work of art. For more detailed instructions, click here:
7. On the same note, another fun and festive alternative for decorated (and even plain) hollowed shells are using them for potted planters. Fill the shells with soil and seeds, ideally those that grow easily in small spots like rutabaga, barley, wheatgrass and watch them grow. They make great gifts, friendly for the environment and friendly for your wallet. I often keep a little potter of grass for my cat, who enjoys the tasty treat’s benefits in digestion.