Eggs

Eggs are a basic and important food in many cultures. They are the subject of myth and legend and have played a major role in religious rites and customs. The Christian tradition of giving eggs on Easter Sunday dates back to the pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon festival of Eostre and symbolizes the arrival of spring, rebirth and fertility. Eggs are acceptable to many non-meat eaters and vegetarians (though not to vegans).

As a source of top-quality protein, eggs have no equal. Not only are they a most valuable natural food, they are readily available, easy to prepare, easy to digest and inexpensive. A plainly cooked large egg contains just over 80 calories and 15 per cent of the recommended daily protein requirement. It contains vitamins A, B and D as well as several important minerals: iron, calcium and iodine.