Why eggshells were not thrown away in the USSR: what was done with them

In the conditions of total shortage, they had to save on everything. Soviet housewives found new uses for old tights, worn-out clothes, and even some food. For example, eggshells were not usually thrown away; they were also put to good use.

Soviet housewives showed great ingenuity and resourcefulness. OBOZ.UA figured out why eggshells were not thrown away in the USSR and what they did with them.

In Soviet times, many people had pots filled to the brim with eggshells in their dachas. Sometimes it was used as fertilizer and poultry feed – you had to grind the shells thoroughly beforehand and add them to your daily diet.

Even now, you can see that some gardeners do not throw away egg scraps. But only the shells from white domestic eggs are useful. It is said to be a pretty good way to protect the crop.

Eggshells help fight pests, in particular, cabbage butterflies. You just need to scatter the crushed remains next to the garden. When insects are looking for a place to lay their larvae, they fly past vegetable beds. According to one version, the small shells will mislead the pests – they will decide that the territory is already occupied by other insects.

The shell contains many useful substances necessary for the growth and development of plants.

The main chemical element is calcium carbonate. However, in addition to calcium, it contains useful organic substances, phosphorus, fluorine, copper, iron, and other elements (27 in total).

Eggshells are often used as a source of natural calcium. This substance has already been synthesized in the bird's body, resulting in inorganic calcium. Experts say that using shells as a source of calcium is much better than, for example, using chalk.

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