Is it safe to make tiramisu with raw, unbaked egg? A food technologist responds

Tiramisu is one of the richest and easiest desserts to prepare for every day.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
21 March 2024 Thursday 17:25
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Is it safe to make tiramisu with raw, unbaked egg? A food technologist responds

Tiramisu is one of the richest and easiest desserts to prepare for every day. This traditional Italian pastry recipe is characterized by using raw eggs in its preparation, since it is not necessary to turn on the oven at any time. The preparation consists of beating, on the one hand, the egg yolks together with the sugar and mascarpone. On the other hand, you should whip the egg whites until stiff and add to the yolks and cheese. This mixture is then assembled on ladyfingers soaked in coffee in as many layers as we wish, et voilà! The surface is sprinkled with cocoa and the dessert is ready.

Instagram users have wondered about the safety of eating raw and uncooked eggs, following a video with the traditional recipe published by the influencer Silvi, the grandmother of Tuscany (@nonnasilviofficial). Miguel Ángel Lurueña, doctor in Food Science and Technology and researcher at the University of Salamanca (@gominolasdepetroleo) has responded that there are a variety of factors that influence the safety of eggs. Among the aspects that determine the risk probabilities are the following:

To consume tiramisu with the maximum guarantee and the least possible risk, the food expert recommends respecting the expiration date of the eggs and not mixing dirty utensils with clean ones, as measures to adopt. Likewise, it is essential to keep the tiramisu in the refrigerator and eat it preferably within 24 hours.

Finally, Lurueña points out that extreme precautions should be taken whenever eggs are used in cooking. As with tiramisu, other recipes such as mayonnaise or undercooked potato omelette can incorporate raw eggs in their preparation. This entails more risk than eating them cooked and that is why people at risk, such as pregnant women or immunosuppressed people, should avoid their consumption.