Egg utilization and consumer acceptability of egg dishes prepared with commercial egg powder in rural Mkhambathini, South Africa

Abstract

Eggs have a potential to alleviate protein‐energy malnutrition among rural communities. Unfortunately, eggs are perishable and most rural communities in South Africa have very limited access to effective food storage and preservation facilities. Utilization of eggs by rural households could increase if they were available in the form of egg powder, which is convenient and shelf‐stable. However, rural communities in South Africa are not familiar with egg powder and therefore it is not known whether it would be acceptable to them. The aim of the current study was to explore the utilization of eggs by rural households of Mkhambathini, South Africa, and assess the potential for using egg powder in popular egg dishes. A total of 110 household representatives completed a survey questionnaire, 50 participated in focus group discussions and 51 in sensory evaluation of egg dishes (sandwich and relish) prepared with commercial egg powder. The households perceived eggs as an important, nutritious food, but cultural beliefs, ineffective storage facilities, and limited market access restricted their utilization. Results of sensory evaluation showed that the acceptability of the egg powder dishes was similar to that of their fresh egg counterparts. Overall, the study demonstrates that there is a great potential for rural households to replace fresh egg dishes with egg powder dishes.