Here is to the LOVE Of EGGS because I get asked frequently….today is pasture hens verse commercial hens…what is the difference? I want to give a few facts that will help you become your own egg advocate!
Pasture hens often weigh about 14% les then commercial birds…could be a good sign. After all if you butcher a home grown chicken it most likely won’t compare to a store bought chicken.
Pasture hens can carry more vitamin E in their eggs depending on their diet
Pasture hen lack dietary protein compared to commercial chickens
Pasture chickens are often given a mash to increase egg production to match commercial hens which often results in a decrease in their Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A & E concentration
Studies on pastured poultry are limited and the definition of pasture does not fallow a fine line. Some studies define pasture as animals that have been pastured their whole life and others “pasture” was defined as they spent there last month or two in a pasture before they were slaughtered. Therefor the length of time on pasture has no true definition.
“Room to roam” simple means they were not caged.
If they were organic each 2.25 lbs of poultry would be required at least one square foot of outdoor space. However these eggs are not claiming to be organic.
This claim “room to roam” does not mean a thin because there is no legal definition
This Ranch has a mission to produce fresh and high quality eggs yet this box shows differently.
Should I choose Grade A or grade AA
This is a measurement on not only the shell but the quality of the yoke and albumen (egg white) as well. Grade AA is the highest quality you can buy.
It may say grade A but it does not meet the USDA grade mark because it is missing the USDA grade mark shield. (Please google if you do not know what it looks like). If it does not have this shield then they are not required to meet USDA’a facility, sanitation, and labeling requirements and do not undergo the certification process that would allow their hens to reviewed in such a manner.
Are brown eggs better than white eggs?
Sorry, shell color does not affect the quality of the egg and the only difference is the breed of chicken laying the egg. Brown eggs often cost more because hens tend to be larger.