Which team are you on? Brown eggs? Or white eggs? Is there actually a distinction beyond the color of their shells? The answer might surprise you.
The topic of brown vs. white eggs has been a topic of contention for consumers. Many have questions about their quality, nutrition, and how they are produced.
So, what really is the difference between white and brown eggs?
The TL;DR
The main distinction between brown and white eggs is the breeds of chicken that produce them.
The nutritional content of brown versus white eggs does not vary much.
While some may claim there is a difference in flavor. In reality, the flavor of an egg is largely not due to its color.
Brown eggs are frequently marked at a higher price than white eggs.
Read on for the detail.
The Difference Between White and Brown Eggs
Let’s explore the intricacies of what happens during egg production.
The market holds a lot of preconceived notions about what makes an egg exceptional.
Nevertheless, it may be interesting to discover that the distinctions between white and brown eggs aren’t as pronounced as once believed.
What are white eggs?
To start, the color of an eggshell is mainly determined by the breed of chicken that lays the egg. Hens with white feathers (e.g. the White Leghorn chicken) tend to lay white eggs.
Contrary to what some believe, there is generally no difference in the nutritional value between white and brown eggs simply based on their coloration. An egg’s color also does not affect its quality.
When it comes to taste, eggshell color also has no influence. The flavor of an egg is principally attributed to a hen’s lifestyle. Hens that are free to roam and have access to a diverse range of foods tend to produce eggs that are richer and more flavorful.
In many stores, there is a notable difference between brown and white eggs in their price. Again, the price difference does not reflect the quality of the eggs.
What are brown eggs?
On the other hand, brown eggs are primarily made by chickens with red feathers. Some examples of brown breeds include Plymouth Rocks and Rhode Island Reds chickens.
As mentioned above, it is a common misconception that brown eggs are healthier than white eggs. In fact, an egg’s nutritional value is more closely linked to the hen’s diet and living conditions, not the color of the shell. Both brown and white eggs can be rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
In addition to living conditions, how fresh an egg is also plays a significant role in its taste. A fresh egg will have a firmer egg white and a yolk that stands taller when cracked open.
Because brown eggs are believed to be healthier, many supermarkets and stores slap a higher price tag on them. However, it’s crucial to debunk this notion. The price of eggs is not associated with their nutritional value or quality.
Some brown chicken breeds are larger and may require more feed, leading to increased costs. This may explain why brown eggs are more expensive.
Summary
Ultimately, the color of an eggshell is merely a result of a hen’s genes. It has no bearing on the egg’s taste, quality, or nutrition.
Therefore, next time you’re faced with the decision of choosing between white or brown eggs, consider the living conditions of the hens and farming practices instead. Consider the entire lifestyle of the egg – from farm to table.
And there you have it, the differences between white and brown eggs. I hope we’ve cracked the code on the debate of whether white eggs or brown eggs are better.