Useless fact
What is the white stringy thing in an egg called?
The white, stringy cords that anchor the yolk in the center of an egg are called chalazae.
When you crack open a raw egg, you will often notice a pair of thick, white, stringy structures attached to the yolk. These cords are called chalazae, which is the plural form of chalaza. Although they might look like imperfections or even starting embryos to some, they are actually a completely normal and healthy part of the egg's anatomy. Their primary biological function is to act as anchors, securing the yolk in the very center of the egg white, or albumen, to protect it from hitting the shell. Chalazae are made of a special type of protein and are twisted in opposite directions at each end of the egg. Because they are delicate, their presence and prominence are actually a key indicator of an egg's freshness. As an egg ages, the chalazae gradually degrade and become less visible, meaning that prominent, thick white cords indicate that the egg is exceptionally fresh and perfectly safe to consume.
Why this is true — The term 'chalaza' (plural 'chalazae') is the standard anatomical term for the spiral bands of egg white that anchor the yolk, as defined in major dictionaries and biological texts.
Sources
- chalaza | Diccionario de la lengua española Real Academia Española