Mystery in the Shell: Japan’s Black Eggs and the Legend of Longevity
Nestled in the volcanic valley of Ōwakudani in Hakone, Japan, lies one of the country’s most peculiar culinary treasures: the black egg, or kuro-tamago. These eggs, jet-black in appearance and steeped in sulfuric steam, are more than just a visual oddity—they’re a cultural symbol, a tourist attraction, and a promise of extended life. According to local legend, eating one black egg adds seven years to your lifespan. But what makes these eggs so special, and how did they...