CHENNAI: Have you tried making an omelette without eggs? Think it’s impossible? You wouldn’t if you’ve been associated with the Chennai Vegan Drinks, which has organised the city's first ‘Egg-Free Week’ (October 15 – 21). The Chennai Egg-free week is an extension of the concept of the World Egg-Free Day, which is observed on October 14. Niranjan Amarnath, the founder of the group, says, “The idea is to create an awareness among people about the number of alternatives that are available to eggs these days. So, we started a Facebook page for the cause.” While there are no formal events to mark the occasion, a number of vegan supporters are making it a point to share eggless cakes, dinners and even some rather unconventional recipes with friends and family. Logasaraswathy, one of the city’s residents observing the week, says, “Somebody put up a recipe for ‘boiled eggs’ on the Facebook page. Only this time, instead of the eggs, tofu blocks are used.” In fact, the end result holds a rather startling resemblance to the real thing. She adds excitedly, “I can't wait to try it!” Egg substitutes are aplenty, states nutritionist and PETA activist Bhuvaneshari Gupta. “Honestly, they are available in any metro. Also, most people consider the protein in the yolk but don't count the high cholestrol that they are consuming at the same time.” It seems that the vegan approach is certainly having an impact on the city. There is a slow but steady rise in demand for eggless confectionary, reveals the owner of Wholistic Breads, a city-based bakery.However, the predominant reason for observing Egg-Free Week, Niranjan stresses, is the hope that more people will become aware of the immense cruelty taking place in most poultry farms. “Nearly 80 per cent of India's egg-laying hens live in battery cages less than the size of an A4 sheet of paper,” claims NG Jayasimha of the Humane Society International. He adds, “Often, they are starved through a process called ‘force moulting’ in order to manipulate their egg laying cycle. This could go on for up to 14 days.”The next time you head out to buy eggs, it would serve you right to have an attack of conscience. However, there are those who simply refuse to go a day without their morning sunny side up. Well if you must, consider opting for an alternative like a quail egg. You might want to stand up before you hear this finding published on medical website PubMed — they are a powerful stimulant for sexual potency in men!
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