If you’re like me buying eggs is just routine. Just select the size, open the carton and inspect for brokens and move on. Not so fast. Cracking the Myth About Eggs: How to Know the Differences
Retailers have a large selection to choose from with displays taking up valuable space. I always thought they were just marketing ploys to get me to spend more money. So, I took a closer look. Here’s what I found.
Regular Eggs: These are the most common type of eggs found in grocery stores. They come from chickens that are typically raised in cages, fed a diet of corn and soy, and may be given antibiotics or hormones.
Brown Eggs: Brown eggs are simply eggs laid by a different breed of chicken than the one that lays white eggs. The color of the eggshell has no effect on the quality, flavor, or nutritional value of the egg.
Organic Eggs: Organic eggs come from chickens that are raised without antibiotics or hormones and are fed an organic diet, typically consisting of organic grains and vegetables. The chickens must also have access to the outdoors and be allowed to roam freely.
Cage-Free Eggs: Cage-free eggs come from chickens that are not kept in cages but may still be confined to a barn or other enclosed space. These chickens may be fed a similar diet to regular eggs, and there are no restrictions on the use of antibiotics or hormones.
Pasteurized Eggs: These are eggs that have been pasteurized to eliminate the risk of Salmonella contamination. Pasteurization involves heating the eggs to a specific temperature for a set period of time, which kills any bacteria that may be present. Pasteurized eggs are often used in recipes that call for raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as Caesar dressing or eggnog.
The Healthy Choice
All types of eggs are generally considered healthy and nutritious. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and can be part of a healthy diet.
Organic and cage-free eggs are often considered to be healthier options compared to regular eggs because they come from chickens that are raised in more natural and humane conditions. Organic eggs are also free from antibiotics and hormones, which some people prefer to avoid.
Pasteurized eggs are also a good option for people who want to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, especially if they are consumed raw or undercooked.
It’s worth noting that the nutritional content of eggs can also vary depending on factors such as the chicken’s diet and living conditions. In general, though, all types of eggs can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. While each of these types of eggs may have different farming practices and processing methods, they all contain similar amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The main difference between them is the way the chickens are raised and the conditions under which the eggs are produced.
Cage Free?
“Cage-free” is a term that can be used as a marketing tool by egg producers, and there is no legal definition or standard for what “cage-free” actually means. However, in general, cage-free eggs do come from chickens that are not kept in cages, which can provide them with more space to move around and exhibit natural behaviors like perching, nesting, and dust bathing.
While cage-free eggs implies they may be healthier, they may not necessarily be “healthier” than regular eggs, some people may choose to purchase them for ethical or environmental reasons. However, it’s important to note that even in cage-free environments, chickens may still be subjected to other forms of confinement and stress, and there are no guarantees of specific animal welfare standards. Most cage-free hens live in very large flocks that can consist of many thousands of hens who never go outside.
Free Range?
Free-range eggs are eggs that come from chickens that have access to outdoor areas, allowing them to move around and exhibit natural behaviors like perching, nesting, and dust bathing.
While there is no legal definition or standard for what “free-range” means, in general, free-range chickens are allowed to move freely between an indoor housing area and an outdoor area. The outdoor area may be a fenced-in pasture, a range, or another type of outdoor space.
Free-range eggs may be considered a more humane and environmentally friendly option compared to eggs from chickens that are confined to small cages or indoor housing areas. Free-range chickens have more space to move around, access to fresh air and sunlight, and the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors. Additionally, free-range egg production may have lower environmental impacts compared to conventional egg production, as the chickens have access to outdoor areas where they can forage for insects and other natural food sources, reducing the need for feed supplements.
However, it’s worth noting that the term “free-range” is not regulated and does not necessarily indicate specific animal welfare standards. Some free-range chickens may still be subjected to stress and confinement, and the quality of their outdoor area can vary widely depending on the specific production methods used. As with other types of eggs, it’s important to research the specific brand or producer to ensure that their production methods align with your values and priorities.
Does Size Matter?
Eggs come in a range of sizes, which are determined by the weight of the egg. The size of an egg is directly related to the age and breed of the hen that laid it.
The most common egg sizes available in the United States are jumbo, extra-large, large, medium, small, and peewee, with large being the most commonly sold size. The weight range for each size can vary slightly depending on the source, but a general guideline is:
- Jumbo: 2.5 oz. or more
- Extra-Large: 2.25 oz. to 2.5 oz.
- Large: 2 oz. to 2.25 oz.
- Medium: 1.75 oz. to 2 oz.
- Small: 1.5 oz. to 1.75 oz.
- Peewee: less than 1.5 oz.
Egg sizes can have an impact on recipes, with some recipes calling for specific egg sizes for best results. However, in general, eggs of different sizes have similar nutritional content and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
It’s worth noting that larger eggs will generally have more yolk and less white compared to smaller eggs and may also have a slightly stronger flavor. Additionally, some people may prefer smaller eggs for portion control or for use in recipes where a smaller egg size is more appropriate.
Different breeds of chickens lay eggs of different sizes, with some breeds laying smaller eggs and others laying larger eggs. For example, bantam chickens, which are smaller in size, lay smaller eggs compared to larger breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Leghorns. Additionally, as a hen gets older, she may lay larger eggs, while a younger hen may lay smaller ones.
The diet of the hen can also affect the size of the egg. Hens that are well-nourished and have access to high-quality feed may lay larger eggs than those that are not.
So, while the size of an egg varies, it is not genetically manipulated, but rather a result of the natural variation among chicken breeds and individual hens.
Pasteurized Eggs
Pasteurized eggs are eggs that have been treated to eliminate the risk of foodborne illness. The process of pasteurization involves exposing the eggs to a specific temperature for a set period of time to kill any harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, that may be present on the eggshell or inside the egg.
The pasteurization process does not cook the egg or significantly alter its nutritional value, flavor, or texture. Pasteurized eggs can be used in recipes that call for raw or undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, Caesar salad dressing, or eggnog.
Pasteurized eggs are especially recommended for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly, as they are at a higher risk of foodborne illness. However, anyone can benefit from using pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of Salmonella contamination.
Pasteurized eggs are typically sold in the refrigerated section of grocery stores and may be labeled as such or have a “P” stamped on the eggshell to indicate that they have been pasteurized.
The Organic Egg
Organic egg production requires that the chickens be fed an organic diet that meets certain standards. The specific requirements for organic feed can vary slightly depending on the country and certification agency, but in general, organic feed must be:
- Made from non-genetically modified (non-GMO) ingredients
- Free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
- Made from ingredients that are free from irradiation and sewage sludge
- Free from antibiotics and growth hormones
- At least 95% organic
Organic feed may include a variety of ingredients, including organic grains like corn, wheat, and soybeans, as well as organic vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods. In addition, organic egg-laying hens are required to have access to outdoor areas where they can forage for insects, worms, and other natural sources of nutrition.
In contrast, the feed used to produce regular eggs may include a mix of conventionally grown grains, animal byproducts, and synthetic additives like antibiotics and hormones, depending on the farming practices used.
Overall, the use of organic feed and outdoor access for foraging are key aspects of organic egg production that differentiate it from conventional egg production.
Certification
The certification of organic eggs is typically handled by a third-party organization that is accredited by the government. In the United States, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is responsible for overseeing the National Organic Program (NOP), which sets standards for organic production, labeling, and certification.
To become certified organic, egg producers must follow strict standards and submit to regular inspections by an accredited certifying agent. These inspections verify that the eggs and the hens that produce them meet the organic standards, which include requirements for feed, housing, outdoor access, and other factors.
The frequency of inspections can vary depending on the certifying agent and the size of the operation. In general, larger operations may be subject to more frequent inspections to ensure compliance with organic standards. In addition to inspections, organic egg producers are required to maintain detailed records of their production practices and must undergo an annual review to maintain their organic certification.
Consumers can look for the USDA organic seal on egg cartons to ensure that the eggs they are purchasing meet the organic standards. This seal indicates that the eggs have been certified by an accredited certifying agent and meet the NOP standards for organic production.
Organic Scams and Scandals
Like any food product, there have been cases where organic eggs have been involved in scandals or controversies. Some of the most notable examples include:
- Fraudulent organic labeling: In 2010, an Iowa egg company was found to have labeled their eggs as organic when they were not. The company, which produced millions of eggs per day, had been using a loophole in the organic regulations that allowed them to label their eggs as organic if the hens had access to outdoor areas, even if they never actually went outside. The company was fined $7.5 million and several of its executives were sentenced to prison.
- Salmonella contamination: In 2018, an outbreak of Salmonella linked to eggs from an organic farm in North Carolina sickened dozens of people across several states. The farm recalled over 200 million eggs, and several lawsuits were filed against the company.
- Misleading animal welfare claims: Some organic egg producers have been criticized for making claims about their animal welfare practices that are not backed up by reality. For example, a 2018 investigation by the Humane Society of the United States found that some organic egg producers were keeping hens in cramped and unsanitary conditions, despite claiming to provide ample outdoor access and spacious living conditions.
While these scandals are concerning, it’s worth noting that they are relatively rare and do not necessarily reflect the overall quality or safety of organic eggs. Organic certification and third-party inspections are designed to help prevent fraud and ensure that organic standards are being met, and most organic egg producers are committed to providing high-quality and sustainable products.
Your Choice
In the end, it’s your choice as all eggs are generally considered healthy and nutritious. It’s going depend on your budget and what you decide to put in your body.
Steve Barasch
