Egg Homogenization and Its Importance for the Food Sector
Egg white and yolk are used in many industrial food productions. Egg white is widely used in industrial preparation of mayonnaise, salad dressings, cakes, and biscuits, as well as often used in making foams for desserts and glazes for baked goods.
The egg yolk is included in many industrially prepared food products and is particularly used in making mayonnaise and sauces. It can also be used to provide a soft texture in cakes and pastries and can be utilized in the making of industrially prepared ice creams.

Use of Egg as an Emulsifier
Eggs are frequently used as emulsifiers in food production. Egg yolk contains a high amount of lecithin, a natural emulsifier. Lecithin facilitates the formation of emulsions by reducing the surface tension between water and oil. Therefore, egg yolk is used in mayonnaise, salad dressings, bread, biscuits, cakes, pastries, and many other food products.
Additionally, egg white can be used as a foaming agent and stabilizer. The proteins in egg white can capture air to form foams, which can increase volume and texture in food products like cakes, sponge cakes, macarons, and meringues. Its stabilization feature is used to ensure homogeneity in many food products.
Enhancing Product Functions with Egg
In some cases, egg products may contain additional components such as carbohydrates. These additional components can help improve some of the functional and physical properties of the product. For example, sugar and starch can be used to enhance the taste and texture of egg products. They may also contain gelatin and other hydrocolloids that are used to improve gel formation or enhance emulsion stability. Additionally, the use of such additives may vary depending on the specific applications in the production process and legal requirements.

Use of Eggs in the Fast Food and Ready-to-eat Food Industry
Liquid eggs have become particularly suitable for the fast food industry. Given this industry produces a large amount of food that needs to be prepared quickly, the use of liquid eggs saves time and labor. Also, provided they are stored correctly, liquid eggs can have a longer shelf life than fresh eggs. As such, fast food restaurants can prepare food quickly and efficiently using liquid eggs, for instance in the making of sandwiches, omelets, tortillas, and other foods.
Dried egg whites are often used as a source of protein in confectionery and other baked goods. Their high foaming property is required to create a high-volume, fluffy structure in products, particularly in angel cake mixes. In addition, they are shelf-stable and have a longer shelf life compared to fresh egg whites, making them a more convenient option for manufacturers.
Characteristics of Homogenizers Used in Egg Processing
The selection of homogenizers depends on the characteristics of the products, production volume, and the production process.
High Pressure Capacity: It is important that the homogenizers used for egg homogenization have high pressure capacities. High-pressure homogenizers capable of operating between 100 and 500 bars are generally preferred. This high pressure allows the egg to be broken down into smaller pieces and a more homogeneous structure to be obtained.
Temperature Control: Egg products are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature, and overheating or rapid cooling during processing can adversely affect product quality. Therefore, it is important that the homogenizers used in egg processing have temperature control mechanisms. These mechanisms continuously measure the temperature of the product and maintain the desired temperature range by performing cooling and heating processes as needed, thus ensuring product quality and homogenization efficiency.
Multiple Stages: Homogenizers used in egg processing usually have multiple stages. These stages are used to fully homogenize and emulsify the product. This process is necessary to preserve the desired properties of the egg and improves the quality of the product.
Hygienic Design: Hygienic design is very important for homogenizers used in egg processing. Egg products are a suitable food source for microorganisms that can easily cause contamination, so the hygienic design of homogenizers is vital for the safety and quality of products.
Hygienic design includes designing the homogenizer for easy cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance. This prevents the accumulation of residues and microorganisms during the homogenization process, thereby enhancing the safety and quality of the products. It is also important that the materials used in the design of homogenizers are hygienic, because cracks and pores in the materials used can lead to dirt and microbial accumulation.
The design of the homogenizer is also important for ensuring the correct feeding, processing, and packaging of the products. Homogenizers used in the production of sensitive foods like egg products should be properly designed to ensure the feeding and emulsification of the products.