Why Farm Fresh Eggs!

I guess I probably should have done an article about our chickens before this one, but I didn't so here we are.

In this day and age people are always in such a hurry and moving so fast, I think we often forget to stop and see what is good for us. One of our favorite heart healthy things are eggs. There is nothing better than a freshly laid egg.

I have compiled some facts that I would love to share with you! If you aren't eating farm fresh eggs now, I hope you will be by the time we finish this article. 

1. Chickens raised on local farms receive more humane treatment. They’re exposed to sunlight and live a natural life. Studies have found that these eggs have less cholesterol, contain the right kind of fat and have more vitamins than conventional eggs. And by buying local eggs you’re supporting local farms, which can only benefit your area.

2.The vitamins in eggs are all extremely beneficial to your diet. Many people have a vitamin-D deficiency, though they may not know it, and can suffer the health issues associated with this deficiency. Pasture-raised eggs are widely regarded as one of the best food sources for vitamin D.  A 2010 Penn State study revealed: Compared to eggs from commercial hens, those from pastured Chickens had twice as much vitamin E, more than double the total omega-3 fatty acids, and a healthier balance of omega-6s and omega-3s (which has been shown to help reduce inflammation).

3. If the eggs you get from your local farm have not been washed, then they may be stored at room temperature for up to three months. This is due to a protective layer they have called the bloom. As long as the bloom is intact, display those multi-colored eggs with pride on your kitchen's center island, and wash them just before using. However Farmers have 30 days from the day an egg is laid to get it to stores. Then, the stores have another 30 days to sell the eggs. The USDA recommends consuming eggs within five weeks if refrigerated, so a supermarket egg may already be past that date when you purchase it. 

4. Store bought eggs require a packing date which is better known as a Julian Date, This is the three digit day number relative to the day in the year the eggs were processed. This date is calculated with January 1 as 001 and December 31 as 365. This date is listed above the sell by date. (check it out the next time you buy eggs)

5. Homegrown eggs tend to be richer in color. The color of the yolk is fuller and the whites are firmer, making it easier for cooking. If you have ever baked with fresh eggs I am sure you have noticed your cakes, cookies, pies hold their shape much better. Not to mention they are richer and much more moist. ( I bet those of you using store bought eggs think you baked that cake to long. Nope it was likely the age of your eggs.) 

These are just 5 facts I wanted to share with you. I have so much more I will share as this blog grows. We will talk about storing eggs, including freezing them, boiling them so the shell falls off and so much more. We may even touch on hatching eggs, for my farm girls like myself. 

Next time you see someone selling fresh eggs don't think twice about grabbing them up, you will not regret it.