The eggshells of different birds vary greatly. For example, in chickens it is colored white, brown or even greenish. Some people believe that brown eggs are healthier than white eggs. There is also an opinion that the darker the egg, the stronger the shell. And finally, there is an assumption that brown eggs are more expensive. In fact, these are just myths that have nothing to do with reality. The color of chicken eggs in no way affects the taste and nutritional value of the product, and completely different parameters affect the price. But still, what determines the color of the shell of chicken eggs?
There is a simple explanation for the different colors of chicken eggs. Source: novochag.ru
Contents
- 1 What determines the color of chicken eggs
- 2 Why does an egg have a pale yolk
- 3 How thick are eggshells
- 4 Which eggs are the healthiest
What determines the color of chicken eggs
The color of chicken eggs almost always matches the plumage birds. The fact is that each breed has its own concentration of the pigment protoporphyrin– the more it is, the darker the chicken’s feathers and the eggs it lays. The production of this dye is slightly affected by ultraviolet light from the sun, but it is definitely not enough for a white chicken to produce a brown egg.
Also, the color of the shell can be slightly affected by environmental conditions and nutrition. If chickens eat low-quality feed, they will not have enough nutrients to properly produce pigments. In this case, the eggs become paler or unevenly colored.
The color of a chicken egg depends on the plumage of the chicken. Source: freepik.com
It is also worth noting that the brightness of chicken eggs is affected by the age of the bird. In young individuals, the eggs have a rich color. But the older the hen, the duller the color of the eggs she lays.
Some chicken breeds lay green eggs. For example, such breeds include the Grünleger, Olive Egger and Legbard. The unusual shade is due to the fact that their bodies produce other pigments that also affect the color of the feathers.
The color of chicken eggs depends on the breed. Source: backyardchickens.com
Read also:Why chickens can’t fly like all other birds
Why the egg has a pale yolk
There is an opinion that the color of the yolk also depends on the appearance of the shell. For example, it is believed that inside brown eggs there is a bright yolk – beautiful, like from the page of a culinary magazine.
Eggs differ not only in the color of the shell, but also in the shade of the yolk. Source: 35media.ru
In fact, the color of the yolk depends on the chicken's diet. If the egg yolk is bright and rich, then the bird ate corn, turmeric, dandelions and fresh herbs. If chickens are fed cheap and low-quality products, the yolk will be dull. Typically, the egg yolk is pale in winter, when chickens do not have enough fresh food.
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What is the thickness of eggs? eggshell
What about the thickness of the shell? According to myth, brown eggs are stronger than white eggs.
As you might have guessed, the color of the shell does not affect its thickness. It is 90% calcium carbonate and has a thickness of approximately 0.4 millimeters. The strength of eggs is primarily affected by the amount of calcium in the feed. This indicator is also affected by the age of the chicken; the older she is, the more fragile the eggs.
The nutritional value and other characteristics of chicken eggs depend on the age and health of the chickens. Source: wyomingpublicmedia.org
Interesting research:How many years do chickens live if they are not killed for meat
Which eggs are the healthiest
Brown and white eggs are equally healthy, color does not affect the amount of nutrients. When choosing chicken eggs, it is better to look at their category.
On our website there is an article “What do the markings “C1” and “C2” on eggs mean – which ones are best to buy.” It contains data from Rospotrebnadzor, which states that small eggs of category “C1” are more nutritious. They contain the least omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
If possible, it is better to generally buy eggs with the “D” mark. This marking means that the eggs are dietary, that is, they are no more than 7 days old. Approximately 3-4 days after laying, the white and yolk are maximally saturated with nutrients.
Markings on eggs can tell a lot, the main thing is to learn to read them. Source: wiktionary.org
Unfortunately, stores usually sell table eggs labeled “C”. Dietary eggs can only be found in farm stores or bought from people who raise chickens themselves. The healthiest eggs, of course, are expensive.
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Finally, it is worth noting that brown spots are sometimes found inside chicken eggs. Sometimes they are barely noticeable, but sometimes large clumps float in the yolk or white. Some people try to remove them with a spoon or throw them away altogether. And all because it is believed that these are traces of the presence of dangerous bacteria or a sign of dangerous diseases. In fact, everything is not so scary, as you can see by reading our material “How dangerous are red and brown spots in chicken eggs.”