The Many Names of Eggshell Powder
While the most straightforward answer to "what is eggshell powder called?" is simply "eggshell powder," its name can vary significantly depending on the context in which it's used. This versatile material's identity shifts from a scientific compound to a folk remedy ingredient, revealing different facets of its history and application.
Scientific Name: Calcium Carbonate
From a chemical standpoint, an eggshell is primarily calcium carbonate, making up about 95% of its composition. It is this high concentration of calcium that gives the powder its nutritional and soil-enriching properties. Eggshells also contain trace amounts of other minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and strontium, which contribute to its overall value. This scientific designation is most relevant in contexts like nutritional supplementation, food fortification, or material science research.
Spiritual and Folk Name: Cascarilla
In spiritual and folk practices, particularly those stemming from the West African diaspora like Santeria and Hoodoo, eggshell powder is known as Cascarilla. This name has an interesting history; it originally referred to the powdered bark of a tropical shrub before practitioners transitioned to using more readily available, symbolic eggshells. Cascarilla is deeply ingrained in rituals for cleansing, protection, and purification. It is also sometimes referred to as 'peace powder' in these contexts.
Common and DIY Names
For most people using eggshells at home, the names are more practical. The substance is often simply referred to as 'ground eggshells' or 'homemade calcium powder.' In gardening circles, it may be called 'eggshell fertilizer' or 'soil amendment,' highlighting its function rather than its composition. This reflects the material's accessible, everyday nature.
Beyond the Bin: Common Uses for Ground Eggshells
Ground eggshells are far more than kitchen waste. When properly sterilized and prepared, they can be repurposed for a variety of beneficial uses at home and in the garden.
Culinary and Health Benefits
For centuries, finely ground eggshell powder has been used as an inexpensive and natural calcium supplement.
- Calcium Supplement: One study found that taking eggshell powder, along with vitamin D3 and magnesium, significantly strengthened bones in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A half-teaspoon can provide roughly 400-500 mg of calcium, about half the recommended daily intake for many adults.
- Food Fortification: The powder can be added to various foods to boost their calcium content, from smoothies and baked goods to soups and sauces. When ground finely, its presence is nearly undetectable.
Gardening and Pest Control
Eggshells are a beloved natural resource for many gardeners, offering multiple benefits for soil health and plant protection.
- Natural Fertilizer: As a source of calcium carbonate, eggshell powder can act as a natural, slow-release fertilizer for calcium-loving plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It helps to increase the soil's pH, making it less acidic over time.
- Preventing Blossom End Rot: A common calcium deficiency in fruiting plants like tomatoes and squash, known as blossom end rot, can be prevented by adding eggshell powder to the soil at planting time.
- Pest Deterrent: The sharp edges of crushed, coarse eggshells can act as a physical barrier to deter soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails.
Spiritual and Folk Practices
In the spiritual traditions where it is known as Cascarilla, the powder is used to create protective barriers and for ritual cleansing.
- Protective Circles: Pressing the powder into a chalk-like block allows practitioners to draw lines or circles of protection on the floor or around windows.
- Cleansing Baths: Adding Cascarilla to a spiritual bath is believed to wash away negative energy.
- Purification: It is also used to cleanse homes of negative energy by incorporating it into floor washes.
DIY Eggshell Powder vs. Commercial Calcium Supplements
Deciding between a homemade eggshell powder and a store-bought supplement depends on factors like cost, source, and consistency. The table below outlines the key differences.
| Feature | DIY Eggshell Powder | Commercial Calcium Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| Source | 100% natural, repurposed eggshells, often free | Derived from various sources like limestone, coral, or oyster shells |
| Cost | Extremely low or free (repurposing kitchen scraps) | Varies, can be expensive depending on the brand and formulation |
| Bioavailability | High; studies suggest calcium from eggshells is well-absorbed by the body | Varies by formulation (e.g., carbonate vs. citrate), generally effective |
| Purity/Contamination | Risk of bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella) if not properly sterilized | Regulated for purity, but some natural sources like oyster shells may contain trace toxic metals |
| Consistency | Can be coarse or fine depending on grinding method, requires proper drying | Finely milled for consistent dosage and ease of use |
| Other Nutrients | Contains naturally occurring protein and trace minerals like strontium and magnesium | Often fortified with other vitamins (like D3) and minerals for better absorption |
How to Make Your Own Eggshell Powder at Home
Creating your own eggshell powder is a simple, cost-effective process that reduces waste. The most crucial steps are proper sterilization and grinding.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Collect and Rinse: Gather your empty eggshells. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any residual egg white or yolk. This prevents odors and bacterial growth while storing them.
- Sterilize: Boil the rinsed eggshells in a pot of water for about 10-15 minutes. This step kills any potential salmonella or other harmful bacteria. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- Dry: Spread the boiled shells on a baking sheet. Bake them in an oven at a low temperature, such as 200°F (93°C), for 20-30 minutes, or until they are completely dry and brittle. This ensures a finer powder.
- Grind: Once cooled, crush the shells into a fine powder. A clean coffee grinder, spice grinder, or high-powered blender works best for a very fine, supplement-grade powder. For gardening, a mortar and pestle or rolling pin can create a coarser texture.
- Store: Place the finished powder in an airtight jar and store it in a cool, dry place. It can last for a couple of months.
Conclusion: The Versatility of a Simple Eggshell
While the simple answer to "What is eggshell powder called?" is a list of several names depending on context, the deeper truth lies in the material's incredible versatility. From its scientific identity as calcium carbonate to its spiritual use as Cascarilla, and its practical application in health and gardening, eggshell powder is a true waste-to-resource success story. By taking a few simple steps to prepare it at home, you can unlock a free, natural, and highly useful ingredient that benefits both your household and the environment. Learning to see beyond the initial waste opens up a world of sustainable and practical possibilities.
