Egg Information

Egg Information - Pasture Raised Eggs

Wash Your Eggs

When purchasing home raised eggs, whether from us or someone else, please remember to always RINSE YOUR EGGS BEFORE USE.

We’ll wipe off the obvious debris such as wood shavings or feathers, but we do not wash them as that would remove the egg’s natural “bloom”.

Eggs are laid with what is called a “bloom” which naturally protects it. This is the coating on the egg shell that seals its pores. Also known as the cuticle, it helps to prevent bacteria from getting inside the shell and reduces moisture loss from the egg keeping it fresher longer.

Intensive egg operations are too large to closely monitor the hygiene and sanitary conditions of each chicken so commercial eggs are washed before they are sent to market stripping them of their natural barrier. To restore the protection, egg packing plants coat the eggs in a light film of mineral oil (which is why store bought eggs sometimes look shiny.)

Storing Eggs

Store your eggs pointy end down to keep the yolks nicely centered.

Keep them in an enclosed carton for longer freshness.

And don’t forget to keep your eggs refrigerated – an egg kept at room temperature ages the same amount in one day as a refrigerated egg ages in an entire week.

Reading Your Egg White

The albumen (egg white) of a fresh egg contains carbon dioxide that makes the white look cloudy. The older the egg, the gas escapes and the white turns more transparent (waterier).

If you notice a yellow or even greenish tinge to the egg white of a fresh egg, this indicates the presence of the B vitamin riboflavin.

Health Benefits to Pasture Raised Eggs

Pasture-raised eggs have 10% less fat, 34% less cholesterol, 40% more vitamin A, and 400% more omega-3 fatty acids. (USDA Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education Program)

An egg from a pastured hen has 30% more vitamin E (Animal Feed Science and Technology, 1998)

Pasture-raised eggs produce positive HDL or good cholesterol and lower “bad” triglycerides. (Nutrition, 1993)

Other Egg Facts

There are no nutritional differences between brown eggs and white eggs

It takes 24-26 hours to make an egg followed by a 30 minute rest before starting another

You can tell what color egg a hen will lay by the ear lobes. Red for brown, and white for white eggs

Eggs are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D

Lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolk protect against macular degeneration

You can still eat fertilised eggs as long as they are collected and eaten before incubation starts

Egg shells absorb smells and affect the taste. Keep them refrigerated away from strong smelling foods