EGGS: Sunshine in My Kitchen

Great tasting nutritious farm fresh eggs......each time I crack one open it is like sunshine in my kitchen.  Just the thought of these little jewels brings a smile to my face. (Even after spending 2 hours cleaning and packaging 20 dozen eggs.) Inside these little brown bundles lies a precious little ray of sunshine filled with so much healthy goodness.


The egg..... when you hear those two words, what do you think of first?....to some this means breakfast, to others they think of Easter and believe it or not there are those that think - yuk!   Well, I'm out to change those that have that last opinion of the egg.   I hope to have y'all thinking of eggs daily and not just for breakfast.


First let's talk chicken- we can't talk about the egg unless we first talk about the chicken.  I believe the heritage breeds to be the starting point for the best egg possible.  These hens come from reliable heritage breeds and are allowed to grow and mature at their natural rate.   A hen has to be in premium health to produce the best egg.  The quality of life she lives, housing and of course feed, all contribute to what we will one day eat.   We provide plenty of pasture for them to roam so they can forage for worms, grubs and other insects while eating the best grass with no pesticides.  Raising them in a humane and natural way.  That's why our chicks are healthy happy chicks providing excellent eggs..


Now let's talk nutrition-  a farm fresh egg, from a hens  that are allowed to eat bugs, seeds, grass and other goodies from our pasture.  This produces an egg with a dark rich color more than that of factory-eggs. This deep color indicates higher nutrition;  rich in choline, selenium, folic acid, vitamin B-12, beta carotene,  lutein, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-3, vitamin D and iodine,   which equals an egg with more nutrition for your family.

• Choline – particularly important for brain function and health.  Egg yolks are the richest form of choline. (More than 90% of Americans are choline-deficient.  This is a concern for pregnant woman as choline is necessary for brain and memory development in the fetus.)
• Selenium – A mineral that is a powerful antioxidant and that our bodies need for a strong immune system.
• Folic Acid – Helps in the prevention of birth defects
• Other B Vitamins – converts foods you eat into energy
• Beta carotene- good for vision, immunity, and overall health
• Omega-3- boost heart health and lower triglycerides; to helping with inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis) to  brain function 
• Lutein – found in the yolk, protects against age-related muscular degeneration and cataracts
• Vitamin A – important for night vision, healthy skin and bone tissue
• Vitamin E -prevents cell damage by inhibiting oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals (helps to prevent cancer)
• Vitamin D- aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones
• Iodine- needed for the normal metabolism of cells; Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy.

Wow!  Now, why are you not eating an egg a day?............I told you these little bundles were a jewel.  Now lets go a step further: conventional store bought vs. pastured free range.

 pastured, free range eggs have-

• 1/3 less cholesterol
• 1/4 less saturated fat
• 2/3 more vitamin A
• Two times more omega-3 fatty acids
• Three times more vitamin E
• Seven times more beta carotene – converts to vitamin A
• most recently noted, 4-6 times more vitamin D

Are you thinking....I should be eating these every day......

Now for reason that will surely hook you on at least one a day.

Taste...now this is one that is easy.  Just try ONE.  Fix it your favorite way, doesn't matter, whatever way you enjoy it.

As for me, I like omelets myself.  Yesterday for New Year's I fixed an asparagus, mushroom and onion omelet with a little parmesan cheese for breakfast.  Oh my!  It was rich and cream with a soft fluffy texture that makes my mouth water just thinking about it now.  Gary and Carrie love to eat them hard boiled with a little salt.  Mekayla loves deviled eggs- hard boiled eggs chopped with mayo, salt and pepper.  Carson is a boy after his Mom's heart, he is an omelet guy but he likes bacon and cheese.  Which ever way you fix your egg, I know once you have tasted one from the farm you will never go back to store bought.

Great tasting nutritious farm fresh eggs......each time I crack one open it is like sunshine in my kitchen.

All this talk of eggs has gotten me hungry for one.  I think I'll go put on a pot of coffee and make some eggs, country ham, grits and biscuits.  Let me know how you fix your eggs.