22/03/2019
Brown vs White Eggs — Is There a Difference?
Many people have a preference when it comes to egg color.
Some people believe brown eggs are healthier or more natural, while others feel that white eggs are cleaner or simply taste better.
But are the differences between brown and white eggs more than shell-deep?
Eggs Come in Many Colors
Chicken eggs can come in different colors, and it's common to find both brown and white eggs in the supermarket.
However, many people don't know what causes eggs to have different colors.
The answer is quite simple — egg color depends on the breed of the chicken.
The different eggshell colors come from pigments the hens produce. The main pigment in brown eggshells is called protoporphyrin IX. It is made from heme, the compound that gives blood its red color.
The main pigment found in blue eggshells is called biliverdin, which also comes from heme. It’s the same pigment that sometimes gives bruises a blue-green color.
But while genetics is the main factor that determines egg color, other factors can have an influence too.
For example, as hens that lay brown eggs age, they tend to lay larger and lighter-colored eggs.
The hen's environment, diet and level of stress may also affect shell color, to some extent.
These factors can make the shade lighter or darker, but not necessarily change the color itself. The main factor determining color is still the breed.
SUMMARY:
Brown and white eggs generally taste the same. But eggs can taste different depending on how fresh they are, the way they're cooked and the diet of the hen.
