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Advantages of Buying Organic Eggs: Why You Should Opt For Them
When it comes to buying eggs, there's more to think about than simply shell color. Organic eggs have grown increasingly popular as more people recognize the many health and environmental advantages they bring over conventional supermarket varieties. Here we explore what organic eggs are, why buying organic eggs matter, and some interesting facts about these nutritional powerhouses.
What Are Organic Eggs?
Organic eggs are produced by hens raised under strict naturalistic standards that distinguish themselves from conventional counterparts in many ways. Their lifestyle tends to be closer to nature compared with their conventional counterparts and this makes the difference clear:
WHY ORGANIC EGGs?
1. Opt For Higher Quality Nutrition
Research shows that organic eggs offer many of the same nutritional advantages enjoyed by conventional ones. Organic eggs typically contain one third less cholesterol than their factory-farmed counterparts, offering additional cardiovascular health benefits.
Their omega 3 Fatty acids have doubled, as do their saturated fat levels and they boast one quarter less saturated fat per egg compared to regular eggs, along with two thirds more vitamin A and seven times more beta carotene which play key roles in maintaining skin, eye, and immune health.
2. No Salmonella Risk
Salmonella, the bacteria known to cause foodborne illness, is less likely to infiltrate organic eggs due to higher hygiene standards at organic farms and healthier living conditions for their hens, thus decreasing risks of salmonella contamination.
- Organic Eggs Are Safe: If you enjoy eating raw eggs for salad dressing and protein shakes, organic varieties offer lower salmonella contamination than conventionally raised ones. Studies show this.
- Amazing Egg Facts Eggceptional Shell Colors: Did you know the color of an eggshell depends on the breed of chicken laying the egg? White feathered breeds produce white eggs while those with brown feathers lay brown ones.
- Eggcellent Protein Source: Buying organic eggs provides complete proteins with all essential amino acids - nature's little powerhouse of protein.
- Extraordinary Versatility: From omelets to souffles, eggs have endless versatility when it comes to creating tasty dishes. What are some ways you enjoy egg dishes most?
How can I locate local sources for organic eggs?
Finding local organic egg sources is an excellent way to support local economies while enjoying fresh, wholesome eggs! Below are a few options.
1. Local Hens:
What it Is: Local Hens is an online platform designed to connect consumers directly to egg producers from small farms, restaurants, outdoor markets, Community Supported Agricultures (CSAs) and grocery stores in their local community. And its Way of Working:
How it Works:
- Enter Your Zip: Use your location to identify nearby farms and food sources that offer fresh local fare.
- Choose Your Food From Local Suppliers: Find fresh flavors while supporting local economies and choose flavorful local fare.
Why use Local Hens? It provides an easy and accessible way of discovering nearby farms and getting access to fresh, organic eggs. So, it is recommended to buy organic eggs.
2. Farmers Markets and Roadside Stands:
In your locality, visit farmers' markets or roadside stands. Here, you may buy organic eggs directly from producers and you may even meet them and learn their practices. As you drive through rural areas, keep an eye out for signs advertising fresh eggs, some farmers even sell eggs right from their properties.
Remember when you select to buy organic eggs locally, not only are you getting high-quality nutrition but you are supporting sustainable agriculture and local farms' welfare as well.
Which Are The Best Types Of Eggs?
There are multiple factors to keep in mind when purchasing eggs. Let us outline them:
- Egg Colors: While eggshell color may have an influence, its nutritional content or flavor remain relatively innocuous. Egg shell coloration is determined by each hen's genetic makeup, all eggs start out white. While Araucana breed hens produce blue eggs this does not diminish their quality in any way.
- Conventional Eggs: These eggs come from large commercial farms where chickens may have had their wings clipped and beaks removed to keep costs down, often being kept in small cages with restricted movement. Conventional eggs offer the most affordable solution.
- Cage-Free Eggs: Similar to conventional eggs, chickens raised without cages but in close quarters still live without outdoor access or guaranteed sunlight exposure.
- Free-Range Eggs: Free-range chickens do have access to some outdoor space, this term does not imply roaming free across grassy fields. Free-range eggs typically cost about one dollar more than regular ones.
- Pasture-Raised Eggs: As a registered dietitian, I recommend pasture-raised eggs as the optimal option. These eggs come from chickens who enjoy free roaming access to sunlight and fresh air. This allows the birds to be healthy so that their eggs may also contain healthful properties.
So if you want the healthiest eggs possible, go for organic pasture-raised ones. They offer both animal welfare and nutritional quality in equal measures. Second best are free-range ones, though. Keep your values and budget in mind when shopping.
Egg Washing and Protective Film Removal:
Commercial eggs must undergo egg-washing prior to packaging in order to remove dirt, debris and any protective films deposited during the laying process that have collected on their shells. This step ensures optimal egg hygiene before distribution to consumers.
- Purchase Eggs From Local Sources That Haven't Been Washed. It is safe to keep unwashed eggs purchased locally (like farmers' markets ) at room temperature without refrigeration, their protective film protects from contamination for weeks without refrigeration being necessary.
- Store-bought eggs purchased in the refrigerated section can remain on your counter for two hours without refrigeration, though ideally they should be returned back into your fridge until needed. What Are The Consequences If Eggs Go Out of Refrigeration Without Being Refrigerated First?
- Unrefrigerated and washed eggs left exposed are at high risk of becoming the home for bacteria multiplication, even without visible cracks or discolorations on them. Even clean eggs without visible spots could harbor Salmonella.
- Cold temperatures help slow the aging of eggs, prolonging their freshness. While most store bought eggs should be refrigerated for optimal storage conditions. Unwashed sources' eggs can still be safely kept at room temperature provided proper guidelines are adhered to for egg safety.
Store Fresh Eggs For Best Results
Storing fresh eggs properly is crucial to their quality and safety, so take note of these guidelines for effective storage:
- Start With Fresh Eggs: When buying eggs, first ensure they're fresh by looking at their sell-by or expiration dates - this way, you know they haven't been sitting around too long on store shelves.
- Refrigeration: To protect eggs further against bacteria growth and spoilage, store eggs below 40degF (4degC). Cool temperatures help inhibit this bacterial proliferation process.
- Keep eggs in original carton: Place egg carton on a shelf instead of inside of refrigerator door as frequent opening and closing causes temperature changes in this space. Keep eggs in their original carton as this provides additional protection and stops moisture loss.
- Position of the yolk: Eggs should have their pointed end facing downward for optimal positioning of their yolk. To prevent eggs from taking on pungent aromas from nearby food items such as onions, garlic or fish.
- Do Not Wash Eggs: Commercially washed eggs have their protective film removed during cleaning; unwashed eggs from local farmers may be stored at room temperature without worrying about loss. If washing your own, do it just before eating to maintain a natural protective coating.
- When it comes to egg storage trays or holders: Consider using an egg tray or holder to keep eggs organised and prevent them from rolling around, while at the same time maintaining proper airflow around each egg.
When Saving Egg:
Before storing, inspect each egg carefully for cracks or damage as cracked ones can harbour bacteria - discard immediately any cracking ones.
Thaw your frozen eggs in the refrigerator before using. For optimal taste and safety, enjoy them within three to five weeks for best taste and safety results. These versatile eggs can be enjoyed for use in dishes like omelettes, baked goods or simply scrambled.
Next time you visit your grocery store, don't be reluctant to buy organic eggs. They represent more than just eggs, they represent commitments towards better nutrition, animal welfare and creating a greener planet. So open an organic egg, take pleasure from its golden yolk and reap its many advantages.
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