My husband had chickens growing up, and I always heard him saying how nothing compares to a farm fresh egg. I had no comparison, because we ate your basic store bought eggs growing up. I had never tasted a fresh egg. Fast forward to 2022 when we first got our chickens. Now I have seen the light. And I am quite sure I can’t go back.
The Egg Terms
Most store bought egg are usually from hens that are confined to cages and do not see the light of day. They are lacking in Vitamin D and essential vitamins/nutrients that free range chickens have access to. They eat food only in the form of pellets- not grass, leaves and bugs as their natural diet would contain. These chickens live in very hot and over crowded conditions and are given antibiotics most of their life. This is a far cry from the life they are supposed to be living. So you can imagine what is lacking from the eggs you’re buying.
Nowadays there are many terms you have to navigate as you buy your eggs. Free range, cage free, pasture raised are just a few of the top ones. Free range refers to Chickens that are allowed to range outside in an area for their food as chickens should. They may also have supplemental food as well. Cage free can mean many things, but it mostly means they are not contained in a single cage. The chickens may still be kept in a chicken house without access to the outdoors. So the name is deceptive.
Lastly, pasture raised means that the chickens live a majority of their lives outdoors scratching for food. The main difference between pasture and free range eggs is the amount of space provided for the eggs. Pasture raised chickens have more space, so the eggs are more expensive. Their yolks are often the most golden.
The Difference in the Eggs
Store bought eggs are much older than you think. From the time that the eggs are collected, washed, packaged and shipped it’s been weeks. According the farmer’s almanac, a farmer has 30 days from the day the egg was laid until it is put in a carton. (Supposedly) And a store has to sell the eggs within 30 days of the egg being put in the carton. This does not mean from when it was laid. So, the eggs are at least two months old when you buy them. Best case scenario.
When you crack a fresh egg, you can not only see the difference, but you can taste it. A farm fresh egg may be smaller but the yolk will be brighter/more golden orange. The yolk will also usually be bigger than a store bought egg. The deeper brilliance in color of the yolk is due to the rich nutrients. Unfortunately, pellet food does not mimic the natural diet of a free range-pasture raised chicken. You can’t duplicate a natural diet, plain and simple!
Farm fresh eggs are nutrient dense. They contain more of the following than store bought eggs:
- Vitamin E
- Beta Carotene
- up to 20x’s more Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin D
And less of the following than store bought eggs:
- Cholesterol
- Saturated Fat
Benefits of Eggs
Did you know just how healthy eggs are for you? Eggs contain only 75 calories per egg and 6 grams of protein. They also contain choline which is essential in memory, muscle development and mood. It is important for pregnant mothers to have choline as this is used in fetal brain development. It helps to prevent birth defects.
B12 is another essential vitamin that helps create red blood cells, neurological function, DNA synthesis- and eggs have it! Eggs also contain carotenoids essential in eye health. Also, contrary to popular opinion, the cholesterol in eggs does not automatically become blood cholesterol. It is still wise to eat them in moderation if you are watching your cholesterol. Another thought to debunk is that brown eggs are healthier than white. Not true! Different chickens lay different color eggs. Some eggs are even green.
Eggcelent Choice
If you are reading this and thinking, “I need chickens now.” Consider this your sign. Do it! And go read our blog about raising chickens. It’s easier than you think. Farm fresh eggs are never going to disappoint. Check out your local farmer’s market or ask around to find fresh eggs. I’m not hating on store bought eggs, they are certainly fine. But, if you have an option for fresh- I wouldn’t turn it down. 🙂
