What Is That White String Inside Your Egg? The Truth May Surprise You

Have you ever cracked open an egg and noticed a strange white, string-like strand attached to the yolk?

At first glance, it can look unusual enough to make you wonder whether something is wrong with the egg. Some people even mistake it for a parasite or another foreign object.

Fortunately, the explanation is much simpler.

That white string is called a chalaza, and it is a completely natural part of an egg.

What Exactly Is a Chalaza?

A chalaza is a twisted strand of egg white that helps hold the yolk in place.

Most eggs have two chalazae — one attached to each side of the yolk. They work somewhat like tiny anchors, keeping the yolk suspended near the center of the egg.

So if you see a white, rope-like structure connected to the yolk, you’re not looking at something dangerous.

You’re looking at normal egg anatomy.

Is the White String a Sign of a Fresh Egg?

A visible chalaza can actually be a good sign.

As eggs age, the albumen — the egg white — gradually becomes thinner. The chalaza may become less noticeable as the egg’s internal structure changes.