Buzz
Chicken eggs are available in various colors, but the most common ones found in stores are brown and white. Despite brown eggs often being pricier, the shell color doesn’t reflect the quality of the egg’s contents. As The Kitchn explains, the key distinction between brown and white eggs is the breed of the chicken that produced them.
There’s a common misconception that white-feathered chickens exclusively lay white eggs, while brown-feathered ones lay brown eggs. While a chicken’s plumage can hint at its egg color, the most reliable indicator is the color of its earlobes. Examine the skin flap on a chicken’s head, just below where an ear would be: white earlobes usually mean white eggs, while darker earlobes suggest brown eggs. This method even applies to Araucana chickens, which have green-blue earlobes and lay eggs of a similar hue. However, this rule isn’t foolproof, as exceptions exist.
Another myth is that brown eggs are healthier or more natural than white ones. This belief might stem from the association of brown eggs with pricier organic options and the general perception that brown foods, like whole grains, are healthier than their white, processed counterparts. However, the color of an eggshell has no bearing on its nutritional content.
The variation in labels and pricing on egg cartons is primarily due to the breed of the chicken. White leghorns—known for laying white eggs—are more efficient, producing more eggs on less expensive diets, making them a favorite for factory farms. Breeds like Rhode Island reds, which lay brown eggs, need higher-quality feed and larger quantities, resulting in superior eggs. Many brown egg-laying hens are also popular among backyard farmers, which is why brown eggs are commonly found at local farmers' markets. However, with proper care and nutrition, white egg-laying chickens can produce eggs just as nutritious as their brown egg counterparts.
Despite being a kitchen staple worldwide, eggs are often surrounded by misconceptions. From clarifying the distinction between eggs and baby chickens to decoding the true meaning of "cage free," here's the truth behind seven widespread egg myths.
