Candling refers to a process of examining and evaluating objects or substances by passing light through them, typically in a controlled environment. The term “candling” originally originated from the practice of holding an egg up to a source of light to reveal its contents.
One common application of candling is in the inspection of eggs. Eggs are held up to a bright light source, such as a candle or a specialized candling device, to illuminate the inside of the egg. This enables technicians, farmers, or consumers to determine the freshness of the egg and whether it is viable or contains any defects. Candling allows the identification of problems such as blood spots, cracks, or those eggs that have started to deteriorate through age.
Candling is also utilized in various industries, including food processing, where the method is employed to inspect the purity, quality, and composition of food products. It aids in detecting foreign objects, such as bones or shells, in food items, ensuring that they meet the required standards before being packaged and shipped.
Furthermore, candling finds applications in several scientific fields such as entomology and biology. In entomology, it helps identify and study insects by examining their internal structures, while in biology, it enables researchers to observe embryos, developing larvae, or other delicate organisms that may not be easily visible.
Overall, candling serves as a valuable tool for numerous purposes, allowing for visual examination and evaluation of objects, substances, or organisms by passing light through them in order to identify defects, evaluate quality, or study internal structures.
