Making eggshell powder at home is a simple process that repurposes eggshells into a valuable calcium supplement. It involves cleaning, sterilizing, and grinding the shells into a fine powder.
Steps to Make Egg Shell Powder at Home
To create your own eggshell powder, follow these straightforward steps:
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1. Saving and Storing Eggshells
- The crucial initial step is to save your eggshells. To keep them fresh and odor-free while you collect a sufficient quantity, a practical method is to store them in a Tupperware container in the fridge. This prevents spoilage and allows you to accumulate enough shells for processing.
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2. Cleaning the Eggshells
- Rinse each eggshell piece thoroughly under running water to remove any residual egg white or yolk. You can also carefully peel off the thin inner membrane, although some sources suggest keeping it for its additional nutrients. Ensure all food remnants are removed for hygiene.
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3. Sterilizing and Drying
- Arrange the cleaned eggshells in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake them in a preheated oven at a low temperature, typically around 200-250°F (90-120°C), for approximately 10-15 minutes. This critical step serves to both sterilize the shells and make them brittle, which is essential for easy grinding. After baking, allow them to cool completely. They should be dry and crisp.
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4. Grinding into Fine Powder
- Once the eggshells are cool and brittle, transfer them to a high-speed blender, a dedicated coffee grinder, or a powerful food processor.
- Process the shells until they are transformed into an extremely fine, uniform powder. The finer the powder, the better its bioavailability and suitability for various applications.
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5. Proper Storage
- Store your finished homemade eggshell powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain its freshness, prevents moisture absorption, and extends its shelf life.
Practical Tip: Achieving a very fine powder consistency is key. This not only improves texture but also enhances the body's ability to absorb the calcium effectively.
