You've probably heard rumors about the difference in health benefits between white and brown eggs. So, many are sure that brown ones are better because of their high nutritional value.

There are people who say that the color of eggs affects the taste of cooked dishes. For example, brown ones are better for cooking open pies, and white ones - cakes.

Is there a difference

Despite all sorts of rumors, the truth is that both brown and white eggs are the same inside, both in nutrition and taste.

In addition, the thickness of the shell of both types of eggs is more or less the same. Slight differences in thickness may occur due to the age of the chickens. The young lay eggs with relatively harder shells.

Where did the rumors come from?

Rumors that brown ones are better are the reason why they sell for higher prices in supermarkets. The general consensus is that if a product is sold at a higher price, it should be best quality. But this belief is not true in the case of eggs.

The reason brown eggs cost more is because hens that lay brown eggs tend to eat more, which means they are fed more, and therefore cost much more to keep than hens that lay white eggs.

Which ones taste better?

There is another common belief: brown eggs taste better, and therefore they are more expensive. However, the difference in taste is also just a myth.

Have you ever wondered what determines the color of a chicken's eggs? After all, there are shells of different colors, both white and all sorts of brown shades. What is this - various varieties eggs or a sign of quality? Let's try to figure out what affects the pigmentation of the shell and yolk. And at the same time, we’ll find out why you shouldn’t choose this product based on color.

Factors that determine shell color

There is an opinion among ordinary people that the composition of brown eggs is more natural, so to speak, homemade. In fact, the quality of the product produced by a laying hen depends on many factors. But the color does not in any way affect the taste or qualitative features eggs And vice versa, the conditions of keeping and feeding the chicken in no way affect the color of the future fried egg. And yet, what determines the different colors of chicken eggs?

Factor 1. Breed

So, the color of the shell in the products laid by domestic and industrial chickens depends on the breed of bird. At the same time, the ability to lay eggs of a certain color is determined genetically. That is, the same chicken throughout its life produces fruits with a shell of some kind a certain color. And the following pattern is often observed: the color of the shell depends on the coloring of the feathers.

Thus, laying hens with white feathers mainly lay white, but speckled and golden birds lay brown. To know for sure what color your chicken's eggs will be, take a closer look at her earlobe. If it is white, then the eggs will have the same color. Chickens with red lobes will have shell color brown tint.

Each breed of chicken has certain color characteristics. So, Leghorns and Russian Whites have plumage white, and their shells are the same color. By the way, these breeds are distinguished by the highest egg production. This is why white-shelled protein products predominate in stores and markets.

IN household They prefer to have birds that can lay eggs and confidently gain weight. Such breeds are mostly brown in color, and accordingly their eggs acquire the same color. These include Dominican laying hens, Rhode Island, Orpington and other meat and egg chickens.

For some reason, people have the opinion that since domestic eggs have a brown tint, this is a sign of their naturalness. One way or another, this stereotype is based on the subconscious, and has nothing to do with common sense. But farmers are developing new breeds that lay eggs well and produce brown eggs to win the favor of buyers.

By the way, we are all used to seeing chicken products with white and brown shells on our table. And in South America There is a specific breed of chicken that lays bluish-green eggs. The chickens themselves look very original: they do not have tails, but feather decorations have formed on their heads due to mustaches and beards. The breed is called “Araucana” - in honor of the name of the Indian tribe that bred such chickens.

In the middle of the last century, testicles from Araucanian chickens gained unprecedented popularity, but why? Among Americans, an opinion has emerged that the protein product of these strange birds contains several times more useful substances, and the cholesterol level, on the contrary, is significantly lower than in ordinary eggs. However, later studies showed that chemical composition such eggs are no different from others, and the hype has passed.

Factor 2. Environmental conditions

The color intensity of the shell varies from pale, creamy shades to rich reddish ones. What does this depend on? The color of the shell is influenced by various external factors: air temperature, stressful situations, diseases. The brownish tint is produced by a pigment called protoporphyrin. It is found in hemoglobin and various vitamins, and is quite common in many forms of living nature.

The more time it takes for the fetus to pass through the oviduct, the more intensely it is colored. This happens because porphyrin acts on the shell longer. Also, the intensity of the color depends on the period of oviposition: the first ones usually turn out darker.

Scientific research has proven that the color pigment that influences the formation of color is located in the cells of the uterine organ of the laying hen. Therefore, the color of the shell is determined even at the initial stages of egg formation.

What affects the color of the yolk?

The color of the egg yolk sometimes worries both beginners and experienced housewives. Let's figure out why the yolks in one egg are pale yellow, in another they have a bright, rich hue, and in the third there may even be a poisonous orange yolk.

The color of the yolk is a consequence of the influence of pigments belonging to the group of carotenoids. Carotenoids are natural pigments and give color to plants and fruits. However, not all types of pigment affect the color of the yolk. For example, beta-carotene, which makes carrots orange, will not affect the color of the yolk. But the pigments lutein or xanthophyll can achieve bright color egg yolk.

The color of the yolk depends on the bird's diet. If a chicken eats foods rich in yellow pigment, the yolk will develop a richer yellow or orange tint. This effect is achieved by bright yellow corn and grass meal. If you feed chickens with pale varieties of corn and alfalfa, the color of the yolk will be pale yellow. When feeding with colorless food, the yolk will have a barely noticeable yellow tint.

This indicator does not indicate the freshness, naturalness or nutritional value of the egg product. But producers of eggs for sale try to feed laying hens with brightly colored feed to make the product look more attractive to the buyer. Interesting fact: for some reason the yolk contains more protein than the protein itself, so the benefits of the yolk are not measured by the shade.

Simple chemical processes explain why chicken eggs are different shades both inside and outside. And these factors cannot be decisive when choosing a protein-rich product for your table.

Video “Myths about chicken eggs”

The video debunks several myths that relate to the chicken product.

I don’t know about you, but I definitely remember that in my youth they always claimed that brown eggs were better and tastier. "Oh, you got the brown ones! They're rustic and delicious!" Wasn't that the case?

So is this really true? Let's figure it out...

Because brown and white eggs have different colors and prices (with the former always being more expensive), there is a common misconception that they are different from each other. Moreover, many people believe that brown eggs are healthier because Golden Rule says that brown is better. We choose to consume brown bread, whole wheat and brown sugar because these foods are healthier than their white counterparts. However, when it comes to brown and white eggs, there is no nutritional difference between them. Okay, then what's the matter?

It's all about the chicken

The real difference between brown and white eggs is the hen that laid them. In the case of commercial chickens, there is a direct and clear connection between feather and egg colors. Chickens with white feathers always lay white eggs, while red feathered chickens always lay brown eggs. This rule also applies to other breeds of chickens, which can lay blue, green and even speckled eggs.

The color of brown eggs is due to protoporphyrin IX, an organic compound that gives blood its red color.

The shell of blue eggs contains biliverdin; This is the green pigment of bile, formed as a result of heme catabolism.

It all comes down to the fact that the difference between brown and white eggs is associated with the presence of certain organic compounds. In terms of nutrition, brown eggs are no different from white eggs - both in composition and quality.

The environment affects the color and taste of egg yolk

And while it's easy to argue that brown eggs taste better than white eggs - and vice versa - the reality is that it all comes down to how the chicken was fed and in what conditions it was kept. For example, a chicken that has been allowed to roam around in the sun for a day will get more vitamin D than one that has been left indoors. The same goes for chickens that are fed food rich in fatty acids Omega-3 or vitamin D; their eggs will contain more high levels these components.

In addition, the way you cook and store eggs affects their taste. The longer an egg is stored, the more likely it is to taste bad. Keeping eggs in the refrigerator at a low, stable temperature will help them retain their fresh flavor longer. If you fry an egg from a chicken that has been fed a diet rich in fish oil (Omega 3), it will taste the same as... regular eggs, however, if you boil it, the taste will be beyond comparison.

In conclusion: How the chicken is raised is very important.

You should pay attention to the markings on the egg cartons. Eggs from chickens that have been raised at home are different from eggs from chickens that have been raised commercially. As a rule, they are fresher. If you buy eggs that are rich in Omega 3, it means that the chicken was fed a diet high in fish oil and this is the main reason increased price. Finally, organic simply means that the chickens were not given hormones or antibiotics, or were given only when absolutely necessary.

There is such an eternal kitchen dispute - which chicken eggs are better: with white or brown shells? Many are sure that brown eggs are definitely better, stronger, tastier and healthier. And in the store, brown eggs are sometimes more expensive than white eggs with the same size and weight. What's the secret here? Are brown eggs really better or is this just another widespread misconception?

Secrets of color

Why do chicken eggs vary so much in color? Shell color is a hereditary trait similar to feather color and depends on the breed of bird. Some breeds lay white eggs, others - brown, others - motley and even blue, but in our area this is already exotic, which few have seen with their own eyes. However, sometimes even birds of the same breed lay eggs different colors. Nature loves variety.

The brown color of the shell is due to the content of the pigment protoporphyrin, which is synthesized during its formation. Porphyrin pigments are widely distributed in living nature. Partially affects the color of the egg and the diet of the chicken: with a lack of certain amino acids, the egg becomes lighter.

Which eggs are stronger?

It is a fairy tale that brown eggs are stronger than white eggs. The strength of the shell does not depend on its color, it depends on the age of the chicken and its nutrition. The older the hen, the thinner the shells of her eggs become. If there is a lack of calcium in the bird’s diet, eggs of any color “sink.” Therefore, the owners of domestic laying hens introduce chalk, shells or special additives into their diet - so that the shell is strong. Large poultry farms do the same.

What about the yolk?

Everyone who has tried eggs from domestic chickens notes that they are tastier than store-bought eggs. Usually the yolk of such eggs is brighter than the pale store-bought one. And since homemade eggs are often brown, does that mean that the yolks in store-bought brown ones are brighter and tastier? This is wrong.

The color and taste of the yolk also depends on the bird's diet. Walking freely and pecking grass domestic chicken the yolk will be brighter than that of her counterpart from the poultry farm. There is no difference in the yolks of store-bought eggs of different colors. Although you can make the yolk bright artificially, feeding the chicken with carotene, which is what some manufacturers do. But, naturally, there will be no special nutritional value in such a bright yolk, except that the color is beautiful, but the taste is still the same.

Still, why are brown ones more expensive?

Whatever one may say, brown eggs are more popular and there is a higher demand for them. This is also a psychological moment - domestic chickens more often lay brown eggs, so even in the store they seem better than white ones, you want to buy them. This can partly explain the difference in cost - increased demand. Another reason: breeds that lay brown eggs are more demanding in terms of feeding and housing conditions than those that lay white eggs. They are larger, eat more, are more capricious in their choice of food, and lay less eggs. Hence the high cost.

When you go to the store to buy eggs, do you buy white or brown? Does color influence your preferences? Perhaps you buy white ones because you have been accustomed to them since childhood. Or you found out somewhere that brown ones are better, and now you only take them. But what's the difference really?

The difference is in the chicken

When it comes to color, key factor is a breed of chicken. Simply put, hens with white plumage will lay white eggs, while those with tan plumage will lay brown eggs. There are even breeds that lay the less common blue, or spotted, eggs.

Is a brown egg better than a white one?

Color is not an indicator of quality. When it comes to taste and nutrition, there is no difference between white and brown eggs.

Do brown eggs have thicker shells?

The shells of eggs of both colors are the same thickness. If you've ever noticed that the shell is thicker, that's an effect of the age of the hen that laid it. Young hens lay eggs with thicker shells, while older hens have thin shells. This applies to both white and brown eggs.

Why are brown eggs usually more expensive?

There is an opinion that brown ones are more expensive than white ones because they are more natural. In reality, this is not the case. Brown eggs tend to be more expensive because brown-feathered chickens have larger size and, accordingly, require more feed.

Small nuance

However, there is one small nuance. Many people say that brown eggs taste better because they have tasted brown eggs in the village. But even here color does not play any role - the fact is that in villages you can most often find chickens with brown plumage, and the richer taste depends on the fact that domestic chickens are fed much better than those used for mass production of eggs .