Sometimes, there’s no telling what you’ll find when you crack open an egg. While most people expect a yellowish yolk, not many pay attention to how yellow it actually is. The color of an egg yolk reveals important information about the hen’s health and diet, which directly affects the nutrients in the egg.
Yolk Color and Nutrition
The color of an egg’s yolk varies depending on where it came from. This variation is no coincidence: yolk color reflects the hen’s diet, which influences the egg’s nutritional value.
Types of Eggs
1. Pastured Eggs (Type 1)
Yolk Color: Darker yellow
Diet: Free-range hens with varied diets including corn, grain, bugs, and vegetables
Nutritional Value: Highest in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids
Benefits: Richer in vitamins, promotes better circulation, supports bone and eye health, and contains healthier fats
Summary: Pastured eggs are the most nutritious.
2. Free-Range Eggs (Type 3)
Yolk Color: Medium yellow
Diet: Mostly grains with some insects
Nutritional Value: More nutritious than factory-farmed eggs but less than pastured eggs
Benefits: Lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to factory eggs
Summary: Free-range eggs offer better nutrition and health benefits than caged eggs.
3. Factory-Farmed Eggs
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