DO YOU KNOW YOUR EGGS?

 Learning To Crack Egg Labels

Eggs. Eggs. Eggs.  

     There are a variety of eggs to choose from at the supermarket.  Are you confused by the term labels? Sometimes, I find myself standing in front of the eggs section reading the labels to decipher what are good besides looking at the prices.  You can stand in that section for more than ten minutes just trying to figure out what the labels on the carton mean.  

     It was time for me to be a savvy shopper and spend less time in one area of the supermarket.  We all know time is an essence and knowledge is the key.

What bird eggs are most often sold in stores around the world?

The birds are chicken, quail, duck, ostrich, and goose.

What does the egg labels on the carton really mean?

Certified Organic

• The bird is feed organic, vegetarian, antibiotic free diet
• The bird is uncaged and allowed outdoors
• Farms are inspected by the USDA yearly

All Natural

• Generally states the obvious "egg"
• No artificial flavors or colors or synthetic ingredients in the eggs themselves

Free Range/Cage Free

• Uncaged bird may live indoors full time but usually have room to walk, perch, and nest
• Free range are more likely to have outdoor access than cage free

Certified Humane

• Uncaged bird may live indoors full time but not enough space to nest, flap their wings, and perch
• Hormone and antibiotic free diet
• Farms are inspected annually by an independent certifier

Omega-3 Fortified

• Birds are given flaxseed and other sources of omega-3s in order to fortify the eggs
• The amount of omega-3s can range from 250 mg per egg to 40 mg
• The yolk is rich in omega-3 fats, the polyunsaturated fats associated with lower risk of heart disease and stroke 
• These eggs are low in saturated fat and are a better source of vitamin E than regular eggs

Farm-laid or Country fresh

• The birds that laid the eggs may have been confined to cages

Brown Eggs and White Eggs

• Both are equally nutritious
• They just comes from different breeds of chicken 

*Note:  Many supermarkets charge a higher price for brown eggs

Egg Facts

• Egg yolks are one of the few foods that contain natural vitamin D
• Eggs age more in one day at room temperature than in one week in the refrigerator
• Besides vitamin D, an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, vitamin A, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, amino acids, and iron
• Rich in choline 
• A risk of salmonella if not fully cooked
• Yolks are high in cholesterol
• A common cause of food allergy

Storing Eggs

• Keep eggs toward the back of your main part of the refrigerator which is cooler than the inside of  the door 
• Leave the eggs in the original dated carton 
• Stores up to 5 weeks in refrigerator

The basic guide provided above will help you not be overwhelmed or confused in picking up a carton of eggs.