Benefits of Pasture-Raised, Free-Range Hen Eggs

First week of CSA! For those at the UIHC today, your bag and eggs are in the insulated bag in my office. I will drop them off to you by 4:00. If you want them earlier, stop by and take one, checking your name off the list. If you can wait until 4:00 you will most likely have a full dozen as Bob will be checking on the ladies one last time, else, each of you at least have ten.  Talk about fresh!

Just so it is noted in this blog, we must boast the benefits of eggs from pasture-raised, free-range hen eggs over supermarket eggs from a processing plant:

Age - Fresh this week vs. supermarket eggs tend to be 1-2 months old. The fresher the egg, the richer the flavor. Note: Fresh eggs are more difficult to peel so if wanting for hard boiled eggs, sprinkle backing soda in water while boiling or have them sit in the fridge for a month.

Yolk Color – Influenced by diet, yard hens that forage for bugs and greens will produce a deeper yellow, almost orange color yolk.

Nutritional Content - Compared to official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data for commercial eggs, eggs from hens raised on pasture may contain:• 1⁄3 less cholesterol • 1⁄4 less saturated fat • 2⁄3 more vitamin A • 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids • 3 times more vitamin E • 7 times more beta carotene

Check out the article from Mother Earth News.