Have you ever wondered how to choose the freshest eggs at the store or market?
Well! Not all eggs are created equal. Knowing how to choose fresh eggs can make a significant difference in both the taste and health benefits of your meals.
This blog will guide you through the process of selecting the best eggs, ensuring you get farm-fresh eggs, no antibiotic eggs, and those with a bright orange yolk.
How to Choose Fresh Eggs?
1. Check the Source
The first step in selecting fresh eggs is to consider their source. Eggs from local farms or farmers' markets are often fresher than those found in supermarkets. When you search for "farm fresh eggs near me," you are likely to find options that come directly from the farm, ensuring minimal time between the hen and your kitchen. These eggs are typically free from antibiotics and other chemicals, making them a healthier choice.
2. Examine the Packaging Date
One of the easiest ways to determine the freshness of an egg is to check the packaging date. Most egg cartons have a pack date (the day the eggs were placed in the carton) or a sell-by date. Eggs are freshest within the first few weeks of being laid, so choose cartons with the most recent dates to ensure you are getting nutritious eggs.
3. Consider the Labelling
Labels such as "no antibiotic eggs" and "organic" can help you make healthier choices. No antibiotic eggs come from hens that were not given antibiotics, reducing your exposure to potential antibiotic residues. Organic eggs, on the other hand, come from hens that are fed organic feed and are often raised in more humane conditions. While these labels do not guarantee freshness, they do indicate higher standards of production, which often correlate with fresher and more nutritious eggs.
4. Evaluate the Smell
Fresh eggs should have little to no smell. When you crack an egg open, if it emits a strong, unpleasant odour, it’s a clear sign that the egg is not fresh. This is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to assess the quality of an egg. The absence of any off-putting smell indicates that you have nutritious eggs that are safe to eat.
5. Perform the Float Test
A simple and reliable method to check the freshness of an egg is the float test. Fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg in it. Farm Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat on their sides, while older eggs will stand upright or float. This is due to the air cell inside the egg, which enlarges over time as moisture and carbon dioxide escape through the porous shell. While the float test is a good indicator of an egg's age, it doesn't necessarily mean that floating eggs are bad—they just might not be as fresh.
6. Look for Bright Orange Yolks
Egg yolk colour can be a good indicator of the hen's diet and the egg's nutritional quality. Farm fresh eggs often have bright orange yolks, a sign that the hens were fed a diet rich in carotenoids, which are natural pigments found in plants. These yolks are not only more visually appealing but also more nutritious. In contrast, pale yellow yolks might indicate a diet lacking in diversity and nutrients. When you crack open an egg and see that vibrant bright orange yolk, you can be confident that you are getting a nutritious egg.
7. Inspect the Shell Quality
The shell quality can also tell you a lot about the freshness of an egg. Farm Fresh eggs have strong, unblemished shells that are slightly rough to the touch. As eggs age, the shell becomes smoother due to moisture loss. Additionally, fresh eggs tend to have a less prominent air cell, which you can see by candling (holding the egg up to a bright light). Cracks or irregularities on the shell can indicate that the egg is older or has been mishandled, so it's best to choose eggs with intact, sturdy shells.
Why choose eggoz?
Choosing farm-fresh eggs has a significant positive impact on health due to their superior quality and nutritional content. The freshness of the eggs also means they are free from unpleasant odours and offer a richer, more satisfying taste.
- Sourced from hens fed a natural, herbal diet, these eggs boast vibrant orange yolks rich in essential nutrients like lutein, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A.
- Each egg delivered is of the highest nutritional value and quality, undergoing rigorous sanitization through 11 safety checks to guarantee freshness and safety.
- The eggs are farm-fresh, odour-free, and sourced from hens fed a 100% herbal diet. This results in vibrant orange yolks enriched with lutein, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A, enhancing their nutritional benefits.
Conclusion:
Choosing farm fresh eggs is not just about picking the first carton you see on the shelf. It's about understanding what makes an egg fresh and nutritious. Eggoz eggs are known for their quality of eggs, making them a great choice for anyone seeking a healthy food. They offer superior taste and texture due to their bright orange yolk. Next time you're in the market for eggs, keep these tips in mind to make the best choice. Happy egg hunting!