Fair Hills Farm
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| Health Benefits Of Pastured Eggs Healthy hens who are allowed access to grass, insects, sunshine and fresh air produce eggs that are far healthier than the average supermarket egg. Because of the greenery in a pastured hen's diet, the eggs have higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin A, folic acid and carotonoids and co-enzyme Q-10. Because of time spent in sunshine, the eggs also will have higher levels of vitamin D. Harvesting The Farm Eggs Amanda Read Eggs ought to be gathered when they are as fresh as possible. It is preferable to have a comfortably designed nestbox that minimizes egg breakage, and that is kept reasonably clean to avoid soiling the eggs. A broody hen, though she may appear to be a hindrance to egg gathering, is actually helpful in keeping the eggs from getting cracked or soiled by other hens (and from freezing in cold weather). If the hen has been handled since chickhood, and is still pet and handled when fed, etc. she should be tame enough to allow you to reach under her feathers to fetch the eggs. I sometimes bring a treat of apple cores, banana peels or bread crusts along as well. I place the eggs in a little white wicker basket lined with napkins or paper towels. I use the napkins or the corner of my outdoor apron to brush off any dirt, mud or droppings or feathers that may have accumulated. Brushing off is usually all that needs to be done. Avoid washing the harvested eggs until right before use. When the egg is laid, it is covered in an invisible membrane that seals and preserves the porous shell from contaminants, resulting in a naturally cleaner, healthier egg. Washing it removes this protective seal, and the egg loses its longevity far more quickly. Working with that natural occurrence, the French even developed a method of specially varnishing the eggs in wax which allows the eggs to be stored for two years! Occasionally if you come across an egg that is extremely dirty, washing it may be the only appetizing route. We keep our egg cartons labeled with a rubber date stamp, and whenever I end up washing an egg, Mom simply places it in a carton with a group of older eggs so that it will get used more quickly. Place each egg in the carton, pointed end down, so that the yolk settles nicely in the middle. When handled and stored properly, a free-range, farm fresh egg can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 weeks. |
