How To Buy Eggs

By : | 7 Comments | On : April 4, 2012 | Category : Apps & Websites

 

By: Jodie Shield, RD

When it comes to buying eggs, it’s not six of one, half dozen of the other.  Brown, jumbo, grade A, organic -there are so many factors to consider.As you’re checking out the carton and reading the Nutrition Facts panel, here are few handy definitions to keep in mind.

Fertile eggs have the potential to be incubated and developed into chicks.  They’re not any more nutritious than unfertile eggs, they tend to be more expensive to produce, and they don’t keep as well.

Organic eggs come from hens that have been fed ingredients grown without pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or commercial fertilizers.  Eggs laid by organically fed hens are as nutritious as eggs laid by conventionally fed hens.  But due to higher production costs, organic eggs cost more.

Free-range eggs are produced by hens that have daily access to the outdoors.  (Most hens are raised indoors).  While the nutritional composition of the eggs is the same, free-range eggs are usually more expensive.

Brown eggs are equal to white eggs in quality, flavor, and nutritional value.  Shell color is determined by the type of hen that laid the egg.  Most consumers prefer white eggs, which are laid by White Leghorn hens; but New Englanders prefer brown eggs, which are laid by Rhode Island Red hens.

Grading is not mandatory, but the USDA provides a grading and inspection service for shell eggs that’s based on the eggs interior and exterior quality.  Grade AA eggs and Grade A eggs are what you’ll typically find in grocery stores.  Grade B eggs are just as wholesome, but the egg yolks have a less attractive appearance.  Grade B eggs are usually sold to the retail market or used for egg products.  There is not difference in the nutritional value among these eggs.

An egg’s size is determined by a hen’s age, breed and weight.  Eggs come in jumbo, extra large, large, medium, small, and peewee sizes.  Medium, large, and extra large eggs are the most common.  When a recipe calls for an egg, it generally requires a large one.  The nutritional makeup of an egg varies with size.

Pasteurized eggs have undergone a process that heats eggs to a bacteria-killing temperature without solidifying the yolk or white.

Egg substitutes are liquid egg products that are designed as substitutes for real eggs.  They consist of egg whites and other ingredients like food coloring, vitamins, oil, and milk products.  Most egg substitutes are free of fat and cholesterol and all are pasteurized.

One other caveat.  To keep eggs fresh after you buy them, store them in their original carton in coldest part of your refrigerator (not in the door).  Be sure to use them within five weeks.

So now you know how to buy a good egg. Better get scrambling to the grocery store – Easter is only days away.  My next blog will tell you how to boil the perfect egg.  Any advanced thoughts on this?

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Comments (7)

  1. posted by steven on April 4, 2012

    great article, you should add a “pin It” button

      Reply
  2. posted by Jodie on April 4, 2012

    Thanks! Please let’s add it! How was your comment experience?

      Reply
  3. posted by Debbie Cepla on October 6, 2012

    Great Article! Thanks for sending me the link! As far as eggs….I live in Switzerland now. All over Europe eggs are located down an aisle–on a shelf…….NOT refrigerated. Locals keep them in a basket on their counter–again NOT refrigerated. Trying to get used to it…..I still put mine in the ‘frige. I am going to make your recipe for Take-along Snack Bars……using my brown (secretly refrigerated) Swiss eggs! Thanks again, Jodie!

      Reply
    • posted by Jodie on October 6, 2012

      Thanks Deb! Hope those eggs are really fresh and used quickly. I’m with you – keep them in your refrigerator. And when did you move? This is the first I have heard! Say hi to Roger Federer for me!

        Reply
      • posted by Debbie Cepla on October 17, 2012

        Hi Jodie,

        We moved about 7 weeks ago. It is a 3-5 year assignment for Alan. We are in the Lake Geneva area. Right on the lake…….loving it! We are looking forward to travcelling and welcoming guests! Any plans on travelling to Switzerland?? :o) It is fun to read your blog and facebook……….take care!
        Debbie

          Reply
        • posted by Jodie on October 18, 2012

          I wish! Hey a colleague of mine works at the Egg Board. I have asked her to check on your “egg” question. Stay tuned!

            Reply
  4. posted by Renee Colton on March 4, 2013

    I love eggs and I think they get a bad rap from the media. I know people who use egg substitute instead of real eggs in an effort to fight high cholesterol. I believe that the chemicals in the egg sub harms the liver. I advise people to eat real foods in moderation.

      Reply

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