Tips

“Unraveling the Mystery: Distinguishing Between Free-Range and Factory-Farmed Bleached Eggs”

The market is flooded with cheap, seemingly free-range chicken eggs, but beware - these are often industrial eggs chemically treated to appear 'whiter' and thus, healthier. This practice is dangerous and poses a serious health risk to consumers. To help you differentiate between these two types of eggs, we've compiled some handy tips and tricks.

Administrator

6 August, 2024

1 Distinguishing Farm-Raised Eggs from Factory-Farmed Bleached Eggs

Criteria	Farm-Raised Eggs	Factory-Farmed Bleached Eggs
Egg Shell	– Natural white color with a glossy finish and some dirt stains. – Emits a crisper sound when tapped. – You can draw on it with a ballpoint pen and wipe it off.	– Pale pinkish-white color with a matte finish and no visible dirt. – Emits a duller sound when tapped. – Ink from a pen cannot be wiped off.
Size and Shape	Vary in size and shape, some are longer or rounder than others.	Uniform in size and shape, almost identical.
Examining the Egg	When held up to a light, the air pocket is small, the yolk is stationary, and the egg white has a reddish-orange tint. The yolk is round and centered.	Does not exhibit the characteristics of a farm-raised egg. Shakes vigorously when held up to a light.
Float Test	If the pointed end of the egg sinks, it is a real egg.	Floats with the pointed end facing upwards.
Cracking and Boiling the Egg	– The yolk and white blend together, and it has a natural fishy smell. – When boiled, the egg white shrinks and forms albumin.	– If it smells sour, foul, or chemical, it is an old egg. – When boiled, the egg white remains loose and lacks albumin.
Price	Genuine farm-raised eggs are more expensive, ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 VND per egg.	Cheaper, ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 VND per egg.

2 Tips for Long-Term Egg Storage

Here are some tips to help you keep your eggs fresh for longer:

– Coating the eggshells with vegetable oil, such as rapeseed or sesame oil, can extend their shelf life up to 36 days. Note that this method works best at temperatures between 25°C and 32°C.

– Submerge eggs in a vase or jar filled with a 2-3% limewater solution. This method can preserve eggs for 3-4 months.

– Alternate layers of dry, clean rice husks and eggs in a container. Finally, seal the container and store it in a cool, ventilated area. This technique will keep your eggs fresh for up to 2 months.

– Storing eggs with other foods like soybeans can also prolong their freshness.

– Avoid storing eggs with ginger or onions, as they will spoil faster.

For more information:

Reference: phunutoday.vn

Frequently asked questions

Free-range eggs come from hens that are able to roam and forage outdoors, whereas factory-farmed eggs are produced by hens confined in indoor enclosures, often in battery cages.

Yes, free-range eggs tend to have higher levels of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, and D, and beta-carotene. They also typically have lower cholesterol and saturated fat content compared to factory-farmed eggs.

Factory farming of hens has been criticized for its negative impact on animal welfare. The indoor enclosures often restrict the birds’ natural behaviors, such as foraging, dust bathing, and perching. This can lead to physical and psychological issues, including bone weakness, feather pecking, and increased stress levels.

Look for labels that specifically state ‘free-range’ or ‘pasture-raised’. These terms indicate that the hens were allowed outdoor access and a more natural diet. You can also check for third-party certifications, such as the Certified Humane label, which ensures that certain animal welfare standards have been met.

The color of the yolk is primarily influenced by the hen’s diet. Factory-farmed hens are often fed a diet high in grains, which can result in paler yolks. Free-range hens, on the other hand, tend to consume a more diverse diet that includes insects and green vegetation, leading to darker orange or yellow yolks.