American consumers purchase an average of 280 eggs per year, so you’ve probably noticed that eggs can be harder to come by these days while their price rose more than any other grocery item in 2022. This so-called “eggflation” has stretched into 2023 with the price of eggs rising 8.5% in January compared to the month before. There are multiple factors contributing to the ongoing egg shortage and price spike, including the worst outbreak of avian flu ever recorded that has wiped out millions of egg-laying hens. If you don’t want to crack your egg habit and are looking for a place where eggs are plentiful, tasty and locally produced, head directly to your neighborhood Down to Earth Market this weekend and pick up a dozen or two.
Healthier Chickens
The vast majority of eggs produced in the United States, around 88.7%, come from battery farms where large numbers of chickens are kept in very small cages or crowded conditions. Egg-laying hens kept in these facilities are denied access to the outdoors and are so tightly crammed together that they are unable to stretch their wings, scratch, peck or engage in other natural chicken-y behaviors. Not only are these unhealthy conditions for the hens, but they also provide an ideal breeding ground for viruses such as the current strain of avian flu that is circulating amongst commercial flocks. The disease spreads easily through contact with other infected birds, so when numerous chickens are confined together in close quarters it allows the virus to proliferate rapidly. It is estimated that over 52 million chickens have been lost to the latest outbreak so far.
On the other hand, small, local egg producers, such as the vendors that you’ll find at Down to Earth farmers markets, have been far less impacted by the avian flu outbreak. Their eggs come from humanely treated, free-range, pastured hens which means the birds are raised in small flocks and given room to exercise and engage in natural behaviors while spending time foraging outdoors.
Tastier Eggs
It only makes sense that healthy, happy hens will produce tastier, healthier eggs. If you’ve ever compared the taste of a battery-farmed egg to that of a pastured egg, you know there is a world of difference between the two! Pastured eggs have a richer, “eggier” flavor and a creamier texture. They even look different as the yolks of pastured eggs are typically a dark, vibrant orange versus the pale-yellow yolks of commercially raised eggs. Whereas battery-farmed hens are confined indoors and fed a diet of commercial chicken feed, pastured hens are free to forage in the sunshine while dining on plants, insects and other biologically appropriate foods.
The proof is in the pudding, as the saying goes, and studies have shown that eggs from pasture-raised hens contain significantly higher amounts of vitamins A, D, E, beta-carotene, and long-chain omega-3 fats than those from conventionally raised hens. In addition to the extra nutrients, eggs from small, local farms are typically fresher because they are produced in small batches and sold quickly, rather than sitting on long haul trucks and grocery store shelves for weeks.
Winter Production
Chickens require twelve to fourteen hours of daylight to keep producing eggs, so natural egg production drops off precipitously during the winter. Free-range, pasture-raised hens spend time outdoors when weather permits during winter daylight hours, which is supplemented by barn lighting to provide them with adequate production exposure. In contrast, battery farms keep their giant flocks under artificial lighting throughout the year in order to maintain consistent egg production at commercially optimal levels. This constant, intensive energy expenditure is one of the reasons these factory farms have an oversized environmental footprint. Plus, the soaring price of electricity is in turn fueling the higher cost of their end product, which is currently on par with that of specialty eggs.
So, if you’re looking to make the switch from conventionally raised eggs to deliciously fresh and tasty farmers market eggs, now is a most eggcellent time to do so! And, if you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket, keep a look out for ostrich, quail and duck eggs which you can sometimes find being sold in our farmers markets too.
