Eggs are a good source of protein and other essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and potassium. Eggs can be classified in a number of ways, including by the type of animal that lays the egg, by the method of raising them, and by the nutrient content.
Classification by Type of Animal that Lays the Egg
The most common types of eggs are chicken eggs, duck eggs, quail eggs, and ostrich eggs.
- Chicken eggs are the most common type of egg in the world. Chicken eggs are small, have a pale yellow yolk, and have a rich flavor. Classification by Method of Raising the Chickens:
Eggs can be classified by the method of raising the chicken. The most common types of eggs classified by method of raising include:
+ Conventional chicken eggs: Chickens are raised in cages and fed commercial feed.
+ Free-range chicken eggs: Eat natural feed, vermin and insects.
+ Organic chicken eggs: Use organic food and must meet certain standards. However, the price is higher than regular eggs.
Free-range and organic chicken eggs typically have higher nutrient content than conventional chicken eggs. The yolks of free-range and organic chicken eggs are also darker yellow.
- Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs, have a dark orange yolk, and have a richer flavor. Duck eggs also contain more protein, folate, iron, and vitamin B12 than chicken eggs.
- Quail eggs are the smallest type of common egg. Quail eggs have a delicious flavor and are rich in protein and vitamins.
- Ostrich eggs are the largest type of common egg. Ostrich eggs can weigh up to 1.5 kg. Ostrich eggs are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Classification by Nutrient Content
Eggs can be classified by nutrient content. The most common types of eggs classified by nutrient content include:
- Omega-3 enriched chicken eggs: Chickens are fed a diet enriched with omega-3.
- Calcium-enriched chicken eggs: Mix oyster powder and bone meal into chicken food. Add products containing Calcium, amino acids and trace elements such as: Five-Canci ADE, Five-Mutivit, Five-Mix, Five-Masol, Five-Polio,… for chickens.
- Vitamin D-enriched chicken eggs: Vitamin D content/egg yolk can be up to 6,000IU (150mcg).
Omega-3 enriched chicken eggs have higher omega-3 content than conventional chicken eggs. Calcium-enriched and vitamin D-enriched chicken eggs have higher calcium and vitamin D content than conventional chicken eggs.
Choosing the Right Type of Egg
The best type of egg depends on your individual preferences and nutritional needs. If you are looking for a type of egg with a high nutrient content, you may choose free-range, organic, omega-3 enriched, calcium-enriched, or vitamin D-enriched chicken eggs. If you are looking for an affordable type of egg, you may choose conventional chicken eggs.
Tips for Choosing Eggs
When choosing eggs, you should look for the following:
- Eggs with a clean shell that is not cracked or broken.
- Eggs that do not have a foul odor
- Eggs with a yolk that is centered.
- Eggs with a clear, unclumped egg white.
You should store eggs at a temperature below 20 degrees Celsius. You should not store eggs in the refrigerator for more than 3 weeks.
