Yolk

The yolk is the round, yellow part of an egg that provides the main source of nutrients for the developing embryo in fertilized eggs. It is rich in fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a significant dietary component in many cuisines globally. Understanding what is yolk is essential for various culinary applications.

In culinary uses, yolk is a critical ingredient in many dishes. It serves as an emulsifier in sauces like mayonnaise and hollandaise, adding richness and flavor. Chefs often use yolk in custards, ice creams, and pasta dough, where it contributes to a smooth texture and color. Knowing how to cook yolk properly is vital to achieve desired results in these dishes.

Yolk nutrition is notable; it contains nutrients such as vitamin D, B vitamins, and healthy fats. One large yolk typically contains around 55 calories. While it is often considered high in cholesterol, moderation is key as the yolk's nutrient density provides benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

When storing yolks, it's best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for about two days. For longer storage, yolks can be frozen by whisking them with a little salt or sugar to prevent them from becoming gelatinous. Understanding types of yolk can also inform cooking techniques, as color variations may indicate different feed sources for hens.

Yolk nutrition per 100g

Energy
Calories 330kcal 16%
Protein
Protein 16g 11%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 1.02g 0%
Fiber 0.00g 0%
Sugar 0.56g 1%
Fat
Fat 30g 34%
Saturated 10g 32%
Cholesterol 1080mg -
Vitamins
Vitamin A 380ug 42%
Choline 820mg 149%
Vitamin B1 0.18mg 15%
Vitamin B2 0.47mg 36%
Vitamin B3 0.02mg 0%
Vitamin B6 0.35mg 21%
Vitamin B9 150ug 36%
Vitamin B12 1.95ug 81%
Vitamin C 0.00mg 0%
Vitamin E 6mg 38%
Vitamin K 0.70ug 1%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 130mg 10%
Copper, Cu 0.08mg 9%
Iron, Fe 2.73mg 25%
Magnesium, Mg 5.00mg 1%
Phosphorus, P 390mg 31%
Potassium, K 110mg 3%
Selenium, Se 54ug 101%
Sodium, Na 50mg 3%
Zinc, Zn 2.30mg 21%
Water
Water 50g -
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Yolk recipes

Almond shortbread

Buttery almond shortbread cookies, easy to make and delicious.

21 Apr 2026

Caramel creme caramel

Indulge in this rich caramel crème caramel dessert.

21 Apr 2026

Lemon tart with candied lemon

Delightful lemon tart topped with sweet candied lemon slices.

21 Apr 2026

Basic potato gnocchi

Make homemade potato gnocchi with this simple recipe.

21 Apr 2026

Spaghetti carbonara

Creamy spaghetti carbonara with bacon and garlic.

21 Apr 2026

Chermoula butterflied shrimps with aioli

Grilled chermoula butterflied shrimps served with aioli.

21 Apr 2026

Buttermilk tart with lemon and berries

A tangy buttermilk tart topped with fresh berries.

21 Apr 2026

Gluten-free orange curd and pistachio tarts

Delight in these gluten-free orange curd and pistachio tarts.

21 Apr 2026

Sweet shortcrust pastry

Create a versatile sweet shortcrust pastry for desserts.

21 Apr 2026

White chocolate & raspberry ice-cream

Delightful homemade white chocolate and raspberry ice cream.

21 Apr 2026

Salted caramel apple pie

Delicious salted caramel apple pie in a flaky crust.

21 Apr 2026

Cauliflower and fetta fritters

Delicious cauliflower and feta fritters, perfect for snacks or sides.

21 Apr 2026

Chocolate creme brulee

Decadent chocolate crème brûlée with a caramelized sugar crust.

21 Apr 2026

Spicy potato wedges

Crispy spicy potato wedges with a creamy garlic lemon dip.

21 Apr 2026

Chilled cinnamon custard

Light and creamy chilled cinnamon custard dessert.

21 Apr 2026

Luscious custard pots with sweet oranges

Creamy custard pots topped with sweet, candied oranges.

21 Apr 2026

Cinnamon bavarois

Creamy Cinnamon Bavarois—perfect for any occasion!

21 Apr 2026

Chocolate custard tarts

Decadent chocolate custard tarts in flaky puff pastry.

21 Apr 2026

Quick apple pie

A speedy apple pie with a crunchy almond topping.

21 Apr 2026

Berry nutella hand pies

Delicious hand pies filled with raspberries and Nutella.

21 Apr 2026

Chinese custard tarts

Delightful Chinese custard tarts with flaky pastry and creamy filling.

21 Apr 2026

Cherry tomato and spinach quiche

Savory cherry tomato and spinach quiche with a flaky crust.

21 Apr 2026

Caramel swirl ice-cream

Indulge in creamy caramel swirl ice cream, perfect for warm days.

21 Apr 2026

Mint chocolate puddings

Luxurious mint chocolate puddings with a molten center.

21 Apr 2026

Sweet orange ricotta with roasted strawberries

Creamy ricotta with zesty orange and roasted strawberries.

21 Apr 2026

Tumbet

Enjoy Tumbet, a Mediterranean vegetable casserole from Mallorca.

21 Apr 2026

Creme anglaise

Classic vanilla custard sauce for drizzling over desserts.

21 Apr 2026

Orange & honey zabaglione

A creamy and refreshing orange & honey zabaglione dessert.

21 Apr 2026

Semi-dried tomato aioli

A creamy, flavorful semi-dried tomato aioli perfect for dipping or spreading.

21 Apr 2026

Blueberry spinach protein power smoothie

A nutritious Blueberry Spinach Protein Power Smoothie for energy.

21 Apr 2026

Lime mayonnaise for shellfish

Creamy lime mayonnaise, perfect for shellfish pairings.

21 Apr 2026

Crumb cake

Enjoy this buttery crumb cake with a rich topping, perfect for tea or coffee.

21 Apr 2026

Basil gnocchi

Tender basil gnocchi tossed in butter for a comforting dish.

21 Apr 2026

Grapefruit sabayon gratin

A zesty grapefruit dessert topped with creamy sabayon.

21 Apr 2026

Apple and cinnamon custard cake

Delicious apple and cinnamon custard cake, perfect for gatherings.

21 Apr 2026

Mocha custard pots

Indulge in rich mocha custard pots with chocolate and coffee.

21 Apr 2026

Basic hollandaise sauce

Classic hollandaise sauce with buttery richness and lemony tang.

21 Apr 2026

Chocolate cookies

Decadent chocolate cookies with a gooey chocolate center.

21 Apr 2026

Apple pie

Classic apple pie with a buttery, flaky crust and sweet apple filling.

21 Apr 2026

Pistachio brownies

Deliciously fudgy brownies with dark chocolate and pistachios.

21 Apr 2026