Menu

The Incredible Edible Egg

**This post is part of the Get Real series. Please remember that this is meant as a learning community. We know that many of you are passionate about what you do and we want you to express that, just please do so in a way that will be an encouragement and aid to others making a transition. We want this to be a “safe space” for participants to learn. For that reason, we reserve the right to delete any comments that are not handled in this manner.

There have been many reports in recent years as to whether or not organic eggs are better than conventional eggs. Most of the reports I’m sure you have seen have stated there is no difference. Except there are great nutritional differences between the two.

Here are a few things to know to help you decipher which eggs are for you:
  • Neither “Free Range”, “Cage Free” nor “Natural” are regulated terms that require third-party regulations or certification. Therefore ANYONE can claim their eggs are so without any question.
  • “Pasture-raised” is also not regulated, however, if you buy your eggs at the farmers market or from a local farm, you can simply ask or look around.
  • “Omega 3 enriched” also not regulated, however, you can look on the nutrition label and see amounts.

    Pasture hens soaking up the sun

  • “Certified Humane” and “Animal welfare approved”are third-party auditors to ensure the hens are getting the best treatments possible and the advertising is correct.
  • “Organic” is regulated by the USDA and farmers follow strict rules and pay a certification fee.
Looking to see what brands you have at your stores that measure up? Check out this scorecard created by the Cornucopia Institute. I will say I was very surprised after finding this scorecard! One of the farms that I grew up near in Northern California, Clover Stornetta, got a three egg rating which is still very good! I was pretty proud to see that!

There you have it – an education on the incredible edible egg. Now, what will you choose?

June Week One Action Item:

Each week we will try to give you some simple action steps to put this journey into practice. It is important that you start this journey by understanding yourself, your goals, and perhaps your obstacles.
  1. Buy a dozen or half dozen eggs this week that are local (if possible) pasture-raised and organic. See if you can tell a difference in the taste, texture, color, etc.

June Get Real:

Please take a moment to thank our guest authors by clicking over to their sites and/or liking them on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Sponsor:  Once A Month Meals

Guest Author: Wardee of GNOWFGLINS