Four years ago, I had very little knowledge about eggs. I never thought much about them. All eggs are made the same right? They all come out of a chicken! But it is more than that.
My favorite aspect of farm-fresh eggs is the colors. The beauty of the variety is almost worth it alone.
While eggs are slightly less expensive at the grocery store, it comes at the cost of the chicken and the egg. Buying local fresh eggs can have many different benefits. I want to touch on five main reasons why buying local, fresh eggs are beneficial!
- Flavor: Many people find that farm-fresh eggs have a richer, more flavorful taste compared to store-bought eggs. This can be attributed to a variety of factors including the hen’s diet, the freshness of the egg, and the conditions in which the hen was raised. Baking with farm-fresh eggs also elevates your recipes.
- Nutrition: Some studies suggest that farm-fresh eggs may have higher levels of certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E compared to eggs from commercial operations. This is often because free-range or pasture-raised hens have access to a more diverse diet, including insects and greens, which can enrich the nutritional profile of their eggs.
- Freshness: Farm-fresh eggs are typically much fresher than store-bought eggs, which may have been sitting on shelves for weeks before being purchased. Fresher eggs tend to have firmer whites, more pronounced yolks, and overall better texture when cooked.
- Ethical considerations: Eggs from small-scale farms often come from hens that are raised in more humane and natural conditions, such as free-range or pasture-based systems. This can be important for consumers who prioritize animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
- Environmental impact: Buying eggs from local farms can sometimes reduce the environmental impact associated with transporting eggs long distances. Additionally, smaller-scale farming operations may use more sustainable practices and have a lower carbon footprint compared to large commercial egg producers.
Can figure out which egg is Farm-Fresh? The richer, darker yolk is from a hen that was free-ranging on a farm. The difference in nutrients that hens take in shows in their eggs. The more nutrients for the hen, the more for the egg, and the more for you!
While farm-fresh eggs may not always be preferred by everyone, they are often preferred by those who prioritize taste, nutrition, animal welfare, and sustainability in their food choices. At LNS Farms, we love providing fresh, ethically raised eggs for our community!