Eggs are like crack
I’ve noticed an increase in the interest and need for farm fresh eggs this week, and if you have them readily available, you are somewhat similar to a crack dealer. No pun intended. But seriously, our girls have been laying steady for us, even with this freak snowstorm. I’ll chalk it up to a higher protein feed and their ability to free range to find all the bugs and other fun things around the farm that they like to eat. I have observed them down by the pigs at dinner, helping themselves to whatever the pigs throw their way. I am confident that I am unaware of other entertaining foods they acquire. We also provide an excellent home for them, as their “cage” is around 40 feet long, and they have a HUGE insulated chicken coop to hide in at night.
Did you know that there are benefits to eating farm-fresh chicken eggs? (we also have guinea hen eggs and turkey eggs at times.) I put together some information on why Farm Fresh is best.
Superior Nutrition
More Nutrients: Farm-fresh eggs, especially from chickens that are free-range and pasture-fed, often contain:
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
More vitamins A, E, and D contribute to better skin, vision, and immune function.
More antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health.
Less cholesterol and saturated fat: Studies suggest pasture-raised eggs can have a healthier fat profile compared to conventional eggs.
Better Taste and Freshness
Fresh eggs have a deeper, more vibrant yolk (often a deeper orange) and firmer whites.
They have a better texture and richer flavor, making dishes like scrambled eggs and baked goods taste amazing.
When collected fresh, they have a longer shelf life, especially if left unwashed with the bloom intact.
Fewer Contaminants
Farm-raised chickens with natural diets (bugs, greens, grains) tend to lay eggs with fewer contaminants like pesticides and antibiotics, which can sometimes be found in commercial eggs.
Since they are born and raised here on the farm, we have complete control over their diet and environment.
Ethical and Sustainable
Farm-raised chickens like ours are raised humanely, with space to roam and eat naturally.
Supporting local farms such as ours helps reduce the environmental impact compared to large-scale egg production.
No Hidden Additives
Commercial eggs are sometimes treated with preservatives or coatings to extend shelf life. Farm-fresh eggs, especially when unwashed, retain their natural protective coating (bloom) that keeps bacteria out. Our eggs are never washed, treated, or sprayed with anything. Ever.
Allergy and Sensitivity Benefits
Some people digest farm-fresh eggs better because they contain fewer processing agents and additives in commercial egg production.
For those of you, like myself, who geek out over nutritional information, here are some additional breakdown details on the dietary values typically found in fresh chicken eggs. This breakdown is typical of one large farm-raised chicken egg (about 50g):
Macronutrients:
Calories: ~70-80 kcal
Protein: ~6-7 grams
Fat: ~5-6 grams
Saturated Fat: ~1.5-2 grams
Monounsaturated Fat: ~2 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat: ~1 gram
Carbohydrates: <1 gram
Cholesterol: ~185-200 mg
Sodium: ~60-70 mg
Vitamins:
Vitamin A: ~6-8% of the Daily Value (DV)
Important for vision, skin health, and immune function.
Vitamin D: ~6-10% DV
Higher in farm-fresh eggs due to sunlight exposure.
Vitamin E: ~5% DV
Acts as an antioxidant to protect cells.
Vitamin B12: ~30% DV
Essential for red blood cell formation and brain health.
Folate (B9): ~6-8% DV
Important for DNA synthesis and cell growth.
Riboflavin (B2): ~15% DV
Helps with energy production and metabolism.
Minerals:
Iron: ~4-6% DV
Supports oxygen transport in the blood.
Calcium: ~2-3% DV
Important for bone health.
Zinc: ~4-5% DV
Supports immune function and wound healing.
Selenium: ~25% DV
Acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid function.
Phosphorus: ~10% DV
Essential for healthy bones and teeth.
Other Beneficial Compounds:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Pasture-raised eggs can have 2-3 times more omega-3s than conventional eggs, which help with brain and heart health.
Choline: ~150 mg (~27% DV)
Crucial for brain health, nerve function, and metabolism.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin:
Antioxidants that promote eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Comparison to Store-Bought Eggs:
Farm-raised eggs, especially from pasture-fed or free-range chickens, often have:
Higher omega-3 fatty acids (up to 2-3 times more)
More vitamins A, E, and D
Less saturated fat and cholesterol variability, depending on diet
