I always say fresh equals flavor and raising chickens for fresh eggs provides access to a highly nutritious and sustainable food that is also equal parts delicious. Not everyone has the space but if you have an outdoor area for your own flock they are a low-maintenance animal that give back in heaps. I've had my girls for several years now and can honestly say I'll probably never go back to buying industry-raised eggs again.
Fresh Eggs Taste Better and Are Healthier for You
The bottom line is fresh eggs are tastier and more nutritious than store-bought eggs. These omnivores will forage on bugs found in the garden and peck out harmless beetles, grasshoppers and worms as well as more menacing finds like spiders, flies and slugs. As a result their yolks stand up taller and are richer in flavor. Even with cooked dishes like a soufflé the end-product stands up taller and holds much better.
Fresh eggs are richer in color and flavor but also have fewer saturated fats and bad cholesterol as compared to store-bought eggs. Pasture-raised eggs also contain two to three times more omega-3 fatty acids as compared to industry-sourced eggs. Moreover, you know exactly how the chickens live and what they eat and drink and you don't need to worry about unethical farms or unhealthy additives.
Chickens Are Funny and Make Great Pets
Who knew watching the establishment of a pecking order could be so entertaining? My girls all have their individual bold personalities and like my other household pets they each shine in their own way. It's fun watching them interact and explore the yard and even my dogs have grown fond of them! My tip is to choose a chicken breed with a gentler, friendlier demeanor when starting out as a beginner.
You're Practicing Sustainable Living
Having chickens has taught my family so much about living more sustainably. Growing or raising your own food cuts down on greenhouse emissions from transporting food products. Chickens also act as a natural garbage disposal and will eat many kitchen scraps thus preventing some food waste. Softened fruit, vegetable peels and other excess nuts and seeds are a great treat for my flock.
It's amazing to see how much my kids have learned in the process of raising chickens. Helping care for these birds has taught them how responsibly-raised animals fare and the benefits they reap as a result.
Your Eggs Will Last Longer
As a general rule, you don't want to wash freshly laid eggs until just before using them. The reason? Freshly laid eggs are coated with a layer called a "bloom" or "cuticle" that prevents air and bacteria from entering. If you don't wash the eggs they can be left unrefrigerated for at least two to three weeks. If they are refrigerated they can last up to three months--again, unwashed. We typically eat our eggs within the first two weeks for best flavor and freshness.
Thinking about starting your own chicken coop? Let us know any questions you have in the comments below.
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