What makes brown eggs

Some breeds of chicken, such as the Araucana, Ameraucana, Dongxiang, and Lushi, even lay blue or blue-green eggs 3. The different eggshell colors come from pigments the hens produce. The main pigment in brown eggshells is called protoporphyrin IX. The main pigment found in blue eggshells is called biliverdin, which also comes from heme.

Eggshells may also vary in color among the same breed of chickens, depending on genetic dominance among individual birds 6. But while genetics is the main factor that determines egg color, other factors can also influence it 4. These factors can make the shade lighter or darker but not necessarily change the color itself. The breed is still the main factor when it comes to egg color. Chicken eggs can be brown, white, or even blue-green. The color of an egg is determined by the breed of the hen that lays it.

Often, people who prefer brown eggs do so because they believe brown eggs are healthier and more natural than white eggs. However, the truth is that all eggs are nutritionally very similar, regardless of their size, grade, or color 2 , 7. Both brown and white eggs are healthy foods. A typical egg contains lots of vitamins, minerals, and high quality protein, all wrapped up into less than 80 calories 8. Several studies have found that shell color does not significantly affect egg quality or composition 9.

The only real difference is the pigment in the shell. Hens fed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids produce eggs that contain much higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than normal. The same effect has been found with vitamin D when chickens eat vitamin-D-enriched feed 11 , There is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs.

The diet of a home-raised hen is not the same as that of a conventionally raised hen, which may also affect egg flavor. Additionally, the longer the egg is stored, the more likely it is to develop an off-flavor. Storing eggs at a stable, low temperature, like in the refrigerator, can help preserve their flavor for longer.

These reasons may be why some people believe that eggs from home-raised chickens taste better than those from conventionally raised chickens. Cookie Settings Accept All. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

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Non-necessary Non-necessary. OR: Search by Category. See Also: Are the color of a hen's eggs determined by the color of her earlobes? What are the signs that a hen will start laying? When do chickens start laying eggs? All about Egg Binding How can I incubate eggs that will hatch female chicks only? How do blue eggs become blue instead of white or brown? How do I cook with bantam eggs? Try a similar trick with Skillet Bagel Eggs , which are especially great for camping. Get our Egg-in-a-Nest Benedict Sandwiches recipe.

Perfect hard boiled eggs are good for so many things on their own as a snack, in egg salad , all wrapped up in sausage for Scotch eggs , floating in a bowl of ramen … , but deviled eggs are one of our all-time favorites.

This version uses tarragon for a little French flair. Get our Deviled Eggs with Tarragon recipe. Get the Herb Omelets recipe. Basically the Italian version of shakshouka , this easy egg dish is another one that works at any time of day. Get our Eggs in Purgatory recipe. Get our Chiles Rellenos recipe. Get our Bourbon Sour recipe. Whipping the whites makes for an airy, ethereal mousse. Get our Basic Chocolate Mousse recipe.

Similar to a Dutch baby , classic French clafoutis is an eggy-in-the-best-way dessert pancake of sorts, studded with cherries or other fruits.