Did you know that there over a dozen different types of eggs!? Isn’t that insane?
Eggs have earned a reputation as one the best foods to start your days off with. With high amounts of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. The egg yolk alone are a great source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. However, the question still remains, “How do you buy the perfect eggs?” Here are a few things you should know.
Where are the Best Places in Ottawa to Purchase Eggs?
Local farmer’s markets and supermarkets are more than adequate places to purchase eggs including Foodland, Farm Boy, Independent, Food Basics and plenty others. There are a few known eggs farms in the area as well including Burnbrae Farms, Nolan’s Farm Fresh Eggs and The Egg Garden.
What’s the Difference Between Large and X-Large Eggs?
This question is mostly based on what you are planning using the eggs for. For most recipes including scrambled, fried, poached and others, really any size will get the job done. However, when it comes to baking, size is very important. Large eggs are more frequently used in baking recipes and using a different size will affect balance and consistency.
Can You Freeze Eggs?
You are able to freeze eggs if you want to save them for a few extra weeks. You would have to make sure that the eggs are clean and fresh and then break them out of their shells to freeze them. You are able to separate and freeze any part of the egg separately by simply removing them from the shell, separating them and storing them in a freezer container. It is also advised to not freeze hardboiled eggs because, when frozen, they become tough and watery, losing their flavour and texture. When you are ready to use your frozen eggs, it’s heavily advised to use egg whites and yolk as soon as they are thawed to get the best texture.
Are Raw Eggs a Salmonella Risk?
Raw eggs have shown to have the exact same nutritional benefits as cooked eggs. For the most part, consuming raw eggs is safe but there is still a risk of coming in contact with salmonella. In an article published in Forbes, it was shown that approximately one in 20,000 eggs are contaminated with salmonella. So, while the odds are low, the risk is still there.
What’s the Difference Between Free-Range and Free-Run?
Free run eggs are produced from hens that can only roam the barn floor. Free-range eggs are a type of egg that is produced from hens that have some outdoor access to pasture when the weather permits it. Despite popular belief, there is no difference between the two types of eggs in nutrient content and shell eggs.
What’s the Difference Between Brown and White Eggs?
A common misconception is that brown eggs and white eggs contain different nutritional value. However, in actuality, the colour of the eggshell and yolk have absolutely nothing to do with the egg’s nutritional value, quality and/or taste. It’s simply based on the colour of the hen’s feathers. If the feathers and ear lobes are white, they will lay white eggs and if the feathers and ear lobes are red, they will lay brown eggs.
How Long Can You Store Eggs For?
Eggs should be refrigerated 4.4°C (40°F) or less and be stored in their original carton on an inside shelf. Raw whole eggs (in shell) can have a shelf life of four to five weeks beyond the pack date or approximately three weeks after purchase. Raw whole eggs (slightly beaten) can last up to 2 days. Raw egg whites can last up to four days and raw egg yolks for up to two days. Hardboiled eggs will last for up to one week.
By Kory Glover
