ABOUT EGGS
1- How are eggs produced? Are eggs vegetarian?
Contrary to various myths that hens lay eggs because they are given hormones, feed, etc., the laying of an egg by a hen is a common ovulation cycle like any other species. Healthy hens lay an egg about every 25-28 hours. That means about 6 eggs a week. (a) These eggs are not fertilised since roosters are not kept with the hens. Eggs would be fertile only if roosters were kept with them. Therefore, these eggs can safely be considered as vegetarian. (b) Yes, eggs are considered to be vegetarian according to food experts.
2- What is the difference between white and brown eggs?
There is actually no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. Although one may think it is the same concept as brown bread, rice, or spaghetti, but in the case of eggs, the colour of eggs is only an indication of the breed of the chicken that is producing it. Only the top layer of the egg shell is different, the rest of the contents are fully identical.
3- Why are we called Golden Eggs?
We call ourselves Golden Eggs for three reasons: (a) We have the richest golden yolks in the UAE (due to the golden corn we feed to our hens). (b) We were the first egg farm in Dubai, which is also referred to as the city of gold. (c) We keep our hens in golden health.
4- How long are eggs good for?
If eggs are clean, intact, and stored under a temperature of 4-6 °C, with a relative humidity of 60%, they will remain good for around 90 days. Freshest eggs are always the best however, since eggs are fragile, they are best consumed when fresh. We recommend you to consume eggs as soon as possible after purchasing them. Always buy freshest eggs available on shelf and always keep eggs refrigerated after purchase.
5- What Are Organic Eggs?
Organic eggs are produced following the old conventional way when we used to have hens in our backyards running around and feeding on natural food available to them. In modern times organic eggs are produced in the same way and are fed with only certified organic feed. In UAE to get products certified as ‘organic’ the Ministry of Climate Change monitors, audits and issues certificate through Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology – ESMA. When purchasing organic eggs, always look for the official 'Organic' logo issued by ESMA.
6- How Can You Tell If Eggs Are Fresh?
Check the date printed on the eggs. If, for some reason, you are unable to see the expiry date, then conduct a water test to determine the freshness of an egg. Put eggs in a container of water. If the egg sinks this means egg is heavy and FRESH but if the egg floats that means its inside content have evaporated creating air space inside which denotes that the egg is old. Also when a fresh egg is broken the egg white would be viscous cloudy and yolk would be high. If egg white spreads out like water and yolk is not high that means egg is old or not stored in required conditions. To be sure, always crack the egg open. If it looks or smells bad, dispose of it immediately.
7- Why do we see blood in eggs sometimes? Are they safe to consume?
Blood or meat spots are occasionally found in the yolk of an egg. These spots are not indicative of a fertilized egg or any abnormality or bad quality. Blood spots are caused by a possible rupture in the ovarian blood vessels of a hen during the formation of an egg. Large scanners are often used to identify eggs with blood spots and remove them from being distributed, however, it is unlikely that these scanners are able to identify each and every one of these eggs. Eating eggs with blood spots is not harmful in any way, simply remove the blood spots with a spoon or knife before cooking. Brown eggs are more prone to have blood spots than the white ones.
8- What is a double yolk egg? How are they formed?
A double yolk occurs when a chicken releases two yolks into the same shell and are usually produced by young chickens whose reproductive systems have not fully matured. Double yolks can also come from older chickens nearing the end of their egg producing period. Eggs with double yolks are perfectly safe to eat. The chance of getting a double yolk is said to be 1 in a 1000 but this is dependent on the age of the flock. It is possible to get more than one double yolk egg in the same dozen.
9- How are DHA/ Lutein eggs produced?
DHA & Lutein Eggs are nutritionally enriched eggs. These are produced by feeding hens with feed rich in DHA Omega3 fatty acids and / or Lutein.
10- What is the difference between regular eggs & DHA Omega-3 eggs?
Unlike regular eggs, Omega 3 eggs have all 3 types of Omega-3 fatty acids, namely: DHA, EPA & ALA, all in much higher quantity than in regular eggs. Our DHA Omega-3 eggs also have a higher concentration of vitamin E, organic selenium and other vitamins. They have a lower cholesterol level than the regular eggs. Additionally, the Omega 3 fatty acids are known to offer multiple health benefits such us: healthier blood lipid profile, healthier heart, blood vessels, and may help in pre and post-natal depression.
11- Do eggs cause cholesterol concerns?
New studies have suggested that dietary cholesterol has no direct correlation to blood cholesterol (according to Healthline.com and the Cleveland Health Clinic). The American Heart Association has even recommended that heart patients consume one egg a day. However, please consult your doctor for better advice.
12- What is the most efficient way to peel a hard-boiled egg?
Some may find that the fresher the egg is, the more difficult it is to peel. This is because the albumen (the egg white) tends to stick to the outer membrane. As an egg ages its contents shrink, making them easier to peel. However, fresh or older this method could be quite helpful: for tips on how to peel boiled eggs more easily, click here.
Eggs Buying Tips
These are some tips for before and after you buy your eggs!
- Buy the freshest eggs available by checking the production date printed on the eggs.
- Check the eggs for cracks or dirt. The eggs you purchase should be intact and in perfect condition to ensure that the eggs are safe to consume.
- Buy only as many eggs as you can consume in a week. To enjoy freshness of eggs do not buy more eggs than you can consume over a week.
- Buy eggs towards the end of your shopping trips. This is a simple but important tip! Firstly, this ensures they don’t crack under the weight of other groceries, and secondly, it keeps them out of refrigeration only for a short period of time.
- Once you reach home, if you aren’t cooking the eggs immediately, make sure they are the first to be stored in the refrigerator.
- Only eat the freshest eggs. In order to check for freshness, do the easy water test which can be done at home.
- And lastly, this may seem like a detail, but it is effective in maintaining the freshness of your eggs. Best place to store eggs is in the chiller rack, right below the freezer, where the temperature is always constant. Storing them there will ensure they stay fresh for longer.
Myth Busted
Myth: It’s better for my health if I only eat egg whites, and toss out the yolk.
Cracked: Not true! The white and yellow parts of an egg have different nutrients and vitamins, and though the white may be an important source of proteins, the yolk accounts for nearly half of an egg’s entire proteins, vitamins & nutrients.
Myth: Brown eggs are healthier than white eggs
Cracked: Not True! The only difference between a brown & a white egg is the color of the shell. The content of the egg is exactly identical in both types of eggs. There is absolutely no difference in the nutritional value of both the eggs.
Myth – Eggs that we eat are fertile, that is, they can hatch into a chick.
Cracked: Not True! These table eggs are non – fertilized eggs. Since no roosters are kept with hens that means the eggs that hens lay as their natural ovulation cycle are infertile and will not produce a chick if incubated.
Myth: I can’t eat eggs every day, it’s bad for my health.
Cracked: False! Of course, it goes without saying that everything should be consumed in moderation. But eating a reasonable amount of eggs every day can actually benefit your health instead of harming it. See benefits of eating our eggs here.
Myth: Eggs cause acne and pimple breakouts!
Cracked: We’re afraid this one is not true either. Unless you’re allergic to eggs, they won’t have any negative effect on your skin.