The Difference Between White and Brown Eggs - Do They Vary in Taste or Nutrition?
It should not be surprising to find eggs on the healthy food list as they are rich in nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, folate, vitamin B12 and lutein, a powerful antioxidant. The grocery stores are teemed with different varieties of eggs ranging from white eggs and cage-free eggs to brown eggs. For an average shopper, this can be very confusing.
While omega-3 enhanced eggs and free-run eggs have some added benefits over plain white eggs, some still question about the difference between white and brown eggs. Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs or is the difference simply the color?
(image courtesy: wikipedia, creative commons sharealike)
White Eggs vs. Brown Eggs: Yet another Urban Legend?
A brown-shelled egg may look more appealing to you because of its color; the truth is that it has the same nutritional value, if compared to a white-shelled egg. The Egg Nutrition Board clearly states that brown eggs are laid by larger red-feathered hens with red earlobes whereas white eggs are produced by white-feathered hens with white earlobes. In simpler terms, white and brown eggs are produced by two different breeds of chickens. There are many breeds that lay brown eggs including the Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Red.
White Eggs vs. Brown Eggs: Any Difference in Taste?
Just like the nutritional value, there is no difference between white and brown eggs in terms of flavor. Some people are of the opinion that brown eggs are tastier than white ones, but you will probably not notice that ‘slight’ difference.
What’s more, some commercial egg producers try to fool people by providing “special” brown eggs at a much higher price.
What About Other Varieties of Eggs?
If you desperately looking for healthy varieties of eggs, better choose the organic variety. Hens producing organic eggs are given certified organic grains that are free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The nutritional content of organic eggs is the same as white eggs.
Eggs rich in omega-3 are produced by hens fed with flax seeds. Some studies have shown that omega 3 enhanced eggs contain more omega 3 fatty acids than regular eggs.
Conclusion
Well, there is no difference between white and brown eggs. Both have the same nutritional value and taste. The Egg Nutrition center also says that the type of feed determines the nutritional value of eggs. So whichever the variety, if the feed is the same, the eggs produced will have the same nutritional value.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/health-tip/HT00322/rss=6