Every frugal person knows that getting multiple uses out of one thing is the best way to make your supplies stretch. Still, there are some things that have always seemed pretty “single use,” and at the top of the list, eggshells have always reigned supreme. It seems such a shame, though, since according to the National Institute of Health, eggshells are actually an excellent source of calcium— and who couldn’t use more calcium in her diet?! No, we’re not about to suggest that you start choking down eggshells. What we are suggesting? Getting more use out of them and skipping an expensive trip to the vitamin store by turning eggshells into your own DIY calcium powder! The process is actually totally simple. Learn how it’s done, and you’ll never throw out eggshells again.
How To Make Eggshell Calcium Powder
- Rinse the eggshells.
Place about 12 eggshells in a colander and put the colander in the sink. Wash thoroughly, but leave the membrane in the shell. - Boil the eggshells.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Then – using a slotted spoon – place the eggshells into the boiling water. Watch and monitor the eggshells, using the spoon to keep them submerged. Boil for 10 minutes to safely remove bacteria and pathogens. While they boil, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. After boiling, place the shells back into the colander to drain. - Bake the eggshells.
Place the boiled and drained eggshells on a cookie sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until crispy. - Grind the eggshells.
Allow the eggshells to cool. In a blender or coffee grinder, grind the eggshells until they become a fine, white powder. - Take the calcium.
Take your homemade eggshell calcium however you prefer— with food, with water, or by itself. Half a teaspoon of the powder equals about 400 milligrams of calcium.
Store your powder in an airtight container. Then anytime you need or want an extra calcium boost, you’ll have some on hand to easily throw into a smoothie or your morning glass of water!
What do you think of this method of making homemade calcium powder? Do you take calcium supplements, or do you prefer getting it from your food? What other ways do you know to make use of old eggshells? Watch the full instructional video from The Crunchy Housewife, and tell us what you think!