解題
### Nutritive Value and Structural Components of Eggs (Max 7 marks)
* Proteins: Eggs contain High Biological Value (HBV) protein, containing all essential amino acids. Ovalbumin is the main protein found in egg white, while vitellin is found in the yolk. These are essential for growth and repair.
* Fats: Present only in the yolk, in an easily digestible emulsified form. Contains both saturated fat and cholesterol, as well as essential fatty acids.
* Vitamins: Egg yolk is an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins A (for vision and skin), D (for calcium absorption), and E (antioxidant). B-group vitamins (especially riboflavin, \(B_2\)) are present in both the white and the yolk.
* Minerals: Excellent source of iron (in the yolk, essential for haemoglobin formation), phosphorus, and calcium (mostly in the shell, but some in the yolk).
* Water: Egg white is high in water content (around 88%), while yolk contains about 50% water.
* Lack of nutrients: Eggs completely lack Vitamin C and dietary fibre (NSP).
* Shell: A porous protective outer layer composed of calcium carbonate, which allows gas exchange.
* Membranes: Double membrane inside the shell protecting the contents from bacterial contamination.
* Chalazae: Spiral bands of twisted albumen that anchor the yolk in the centre of the egg.
* Air Space: Found at the broad end of the egg between the membranes; grows larger as the egg loses moisture over time.
### Culinary Functions of Eggs in Food Preparation (Max 8 marks)
* Aeration / Trapping Air: When egg white is whisked, the protein denatures and stretches to trap air bubbles, forming a foam. Example: meringues, soufflés, Swiss rolls.
* Binding: As egg proteins heat up, they coagulate (set) and hold dry ingredients together. Example: rissoles, meatballs, fish cakes.
* Coating: Beaten egg is used to coat food, acting as an adhesive so breadcrumbs or flour stick. It coagulates during cooking to form a protective seal that prevents fat absorption. Example: fried fish, Scotch eggs.
* Emulsification: Egg yolk contains lecithin, a natural emulsifier that prevents immiscible liquids (like oil and water/vinegar) from separating. Example: mayonnaise, Hollandaise sauce.
* Thickening: Egg proteins coagulate and thicken liquid mixtures at temperatures between \(60^\circ\text{C}\) and \(70^\circ\text{C}\). Example: baked egg custard, sauces.
* Glazing: Egg wash (beaten egg or egg mixed with milk) brushed onto pastries caramelizes and shines when baked. Example: scones, sausage rolls, pies.
* Enrichment: Eggs increase the overall nutritional profile of a dish. Example: fresh pasta dough, enriched yeast dough (brioche).
* Garnishing: Hard-boiled eggs are sliced or wedged to add color and decorative appeal to dishes. Example: salads, nicoise salad.
評分準則
Award 1 mark for each valid point up to a maximum of 15 marks.
Nutritive Value and Structural Components (Max 7 marks):
* HBV protein / ovalbumin / vitellin;
* Fat / cholesterol in yolk;
* Fat-soluble vitamins A / D / E in yolk;
* B-group vitamins / \(B_2\) in white/yolk;
* Minerals: Iron / calcium / phosphorus;
* High water content in white;
* Shell (protective, calcium carbonate);
* Inner/outer membranes (bacterial barrier);
* Chalazae (anchors yolk);
* Air space (enlarges with age);
* (Note: No Vitamin C or dietary fibre/NSP in eggs).
Culinary Functions (Max 8 marks - 1 mark for function + explanation, 1 mark for example):
* Aeration: Egg white traps air when whisked (e.g. meringues / soufflés / sponge cakes);
* Binding: Coagulation holds ingredients together (e.g. rissoles / fishcakes / burgers);
* Coating: Egg acts as adhesive for breadcrumbs, sealing food during frying (e.g. Scotch eggs / fried fish);
* Emulsification: Lecithin in yolk keeps oil and water combined (e.g. mayonnaise / Hollandaise);
* Thickening: Proteins coagulate to thicken liquids (e.g. custard / sauces);
* Glazing: Brushed egg shines and browns dough during baking (e.g. scones / pastry / buns);
* Enrichment: Increases nutrient value (e.g. fresh pasta / brioche);
* Garnishing: Adds colour and visual appeal (e.g. salads).