How to pasteurize egg whites?

Pasteurizing egg whites is a process that involves heating them to a specific temperature for a certain amount of time to kill harmful bacteria without cooking them. Here’s how you can do it safely at home: ### Method 1: Stovetop Pasteurization **Equipment Needed:** - A saucepan or double boiler - A thermometer - Whisk or fork - Egg whites **Instructions:** 1. **Prepare the Egg Whites:** - Separate the egg whites from the yolks. You can use fresh eggs or store-bought egg whites. 2. **Heat the Water:** - Fill a saucepan with water and heat it over medium heat. If you're using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. 3. **Add Egg Whites:** - Place the egg whites in the top part of the double boiler or in a heatproof bowl that sits above (not touching) the water. 4. **Monitor the Temperature:** - Stir the egg whites gently while heating them. Use a thermometer to continuously check the temperature. You need to heat the egg whites to at least **140°F (60°C)**, holding it at this temperature for **3-5 minutes** to effectively pasteurize them. 5. **Cooling Down:** - After reaching the target temperature, remove the egg whites from the heat. Allow them to cool before using them in your recipes. ### Method 2: Microwave Pasteurization **Instructions:** 1. **Prepare the Egg Whites:** - Separate the egg whites from the yolks and place them in a microwave-safe container. 2. **Microwave:** - Microwave the egg whites on medium power for about **30 seconds**, then stir. Continue microwaving in 10-second intervals, stirring each time, until the egg whites reach **140°F (60°C)**. 3. **Cooling Down:** - Let the egg whites cool before using them in your recipes. ### Important Notes: - Use a thermometer for accurate temperature measurement. - Do not overheat the egg whites, as they can start to cook and become scrambled if heated too high or too long. - Pasteurized egg whites can be used in recipes that call for raw egg whites, such as meringues, mousses, and certain salad dressings. By following these steps, you can safely pasteurize egg whites at home!