Chickens around the world work overtime to satisfy these 11 countries that consume the most eggs. Eggs have been a staple meal and important food ingredient in different parts of the world. There is no doubt that eggs are consumed steadily throughout the world. They can be cooked and used in a variety of ways. Eggs can be mixed with other ingredients for meals and even desserts, but they can also be served as a separate and complete meal, and can be found in almost every home, cafe, diner and restaurant.
Many types of animals lay eggs, but the most common and the most consumed are from chickens. Eggs are actually very nutritious and can provide different health benefits. They are very popular among athletes and people maintaining their fitness. Because of the popularity of eggs they’ve been represented and used in different types of mediums. You’ll find it in video games, advertising, as a representation of different food companies, etc. Another popular pair for eggs during breakfast is milk. You might even find similarities in the list of 11 Countries that Consume the Most Milk.
Some of the countries here are large producers of eggs as well, meaning the large supply can be directly related to the number of consumers in the country. It is reasonable considering that without any shipping costs and taxes, eggs can be cheaper in these places. Let’s check the first egg-loving country:
11. Portugal
You’ll find eggs in most of the delicacies of Portugal. From soups, steaks, fish and desserts, you’ll find eggs used in a variety of recipes throughout the country. Surprisingly the Portugal’s love for eggs isn’t actually directly from their own past, but rather from the influence of numerous countries. One of the countries that had a major influence on Portugal is Rome.
Sea Wave/Shutterstock.com
10. Czech Republic
Much like Portugal, the Czech has numerous recipes utilizing eggs. One of the interesting uses of eggs here aside from cooking is decoration. One event to note is their celebration of Easter. Eggs are bought in large quantities and the designs for Easter eggs here are unlike anywhere else.
9. Antigua
You’ll find eggs served everywhere in Antigua. From homes, restaurants and even hotels, eggs can be ordered almost everywhere. Many tourists that visit Antigua recommend the unique egg meals that can only be found here.
8. Monaco
Eggs are also a very common meal in Monaco. The number of egg-meal variations you can find here is a good indication of how much people consume eggs. Like most countries, Monaco loves to serve eggs during breakfast or the popular brunch.
7. France
France is one of the largest producers of eggs around the world. You’ll find many chicken farms here; a good percentage of the population is actually working on these farms. There have been recent issues though, like the egg farmer protest of 2013 in response to strict laws against egg production.
6. USA
American produced eggs differ from eggs found in Europe. This difference is actually small but has affected shipment of US eggs to other countries. The main issue is handling. American eggs are cleaned and washed after they fall to the ground whereas Europe laws disallow any form of cleaning or washing of eggs after the chicken lays them.
5. Japan
An average Japanese person consumes 300 eggs in a year. Just two months short of an egg a day. Eggs are used in a lot of the unique meals from Japan. These meals are served from breakfast to dinner. A lot of the famous rolled food from Japan, like sushi, incorporates eggs as well.
4. China
China is a very large producer of eggs for export. Like many China products, their eggs can also be faked. This causes concerns for a lot of the neighboring countries which are importing from China. The Chinese also invented the century egg or what other people call preserved egg.
3. Guatemala
Eggs are widely produced in different areas of Guatemala, so much that they actually have an overproduction of eggs. They have a lot of local cuisine that uses them. Interestingly the locals preserve the eggshells and use them as a decoration for upcoming festivals.
Tiplyashina Evgeniya/Shutterstock.com
2. Mexico
Amidst the egg rising in prices and even bird-flu issues in Mexico, the egg is still one of the most consumed products here. Mexico was originally the largest consumer in the whole world. Like many of the countries listed here you’ll find local treats using eggs that aren’t found anywhere else.
1. Paraguay
Paraguay takes a little margin up from Mexico, giving it the first spot on this list. Like Mexico, Paraguay was heavily influenced by Spanish colonization hundreds of years ago. One thing that Spanish colonies retained is their love for eggs and egg dishes. These dishes changed over time as they included local twists in the recipes.
Those were the countries that have cracked, cooked and consumed the most eggs in the world. These 11 countries that consume the most eggs aren’t looking to leave this list any time soon.
