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An egg for every need seems to be the theme these days in the egg aisle of
the grocery store. Gone are the days when your main decision was whether
to buy the medium, large or extra-large eggs. Today, you can choose
between omega-3 eggs, lower cholesterol eggs, free-range eggs, organic
eggs, even eggs that have been pasteurized in the shell. Of course, you'll
pay extra for these added features, but for some, they may be worth the
price. How are these "designer" or specialty eggs produced and what do
they offer the consumer? Here's the low-down on some of the more common
specialty eggs.
Omega-3 eggs: The types of fatty acids found in the yolk of an egg are
directly related to the types of fat fed to the chicken. Thus, adding
products high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, marine algae, fish
and fish oil, to chicken feed can increase the omega-3 fatty acid content
in the egg yolk. This is good since the American diet tends to be low in
omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for optimal development of an
infant's brain and eyes. These fats also have many other important
benefits, including helping reduce one's risk of arteriosclerosis and
stroke. Omega-3 fatty acid-enriched eggs taste and cook like other eggs,
but typically have a darker yolk color. Currently, there are several
companies that market omega-3 eggs, including Gold Circle Farms in
Boulder, Colo.
Eggs with lower saturated fat and cholesterol: Some designer egg
manufacturers have focused on lowering the cholesterol and ratio of
saturated to unsaturated fat in their eggs. This is generally done by
feeding the chickens an all-vegetarian diet high in canola oil. To market
a product as being lower in cholesterol or saturated fat, the product must
have 25 percent less of the nutrient in question than the standard
product. A large egg contains approximately 200-220 milligrams of
cholesterol. Eggland's Best is one company that markets reduced
cholesterol and saturated fat eggs.
Cage-free or free-roaming eggs: The majority of commercial egg-laying
chickens are housed in cages. Caging hens reduces the spread of disease by
separating birds from their feces, reduces that amount of dust and ammonia
present in the hen house and reduces the amount of physical labor required
to manage chickens and collect the eggs. However, this system can be
viewed as being less humane to the chicken; therefore, there is a niche
market for eggs produced by chickens raised in a cage-free or free-roaming
system. Typically, birds raised in a cage-free or free-roaming system are
kept inside and maintained on the floor of the poultry house. Only if the
label says "free-range" can you expect that the chickens were allowed to
graze or roam outdoors.
Organic eggs: To be label as organically produced eggs, the eggs must be produced from hens that have been fed certified-organic feed produced
without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, antibiotics or
genetically-modified crops. In addition, synthetic pesticides cannot be
used to control parasites that may affect the chicken. Typically, organic
eggs also are produced from hens in cage-free systems.
Fertile eggs: Almost all eggs produced commercially are infertile.
Roosters do not have to be present for hens to lay eggs and roosters,
therefore, are generally not kept with laying flocks. Eggs purchased from
a producer that allows the roosters to run with the chickens will often be
fertile. There is no difference in the nutritional value of fertilized or
unfertilized eggs; both are safe to eat.
Pasteurized eggs: Wish you could enjoy Caesar salad and sunny side-up
eggs without the worry of salmonella? If so, you may want to consider
pasteurized eggs. Raw eggs are pasteurized in the shell through the use of
extended warm-water baths. Once pasteurized, the eggs are cooled to
refrigerator temperatures, then coated with an FDA-approved sealant to
help prevent future contamination. Pasteurized eggs are identified with a
USDA Certified Pasteurize shield stamped on the package (not on each egg).
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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