How to Tell If an Egg Came from a Healthy Chicken: 6 Signs of Superior Quality
The consistency of the egg white (albumen) is another important factor. Eggs from healthy chickens have firm, cloudy whites that hold their shape when cracked into a pan. In contrast, older or lower-quality eggs tend to have runny, watery whites that spread out thinly.
What Causes This: The cloudiness in fresh eggs comes from carbon dioxide, which dissipates over time. If the white is clear and watery, the egg is likely older or came from a less healthy chicken.
4. Rich, Flavorful Taste
Eggs from healthy chickens have a richer, creamier flavor compared to those from factory-farmed birds. This difference is due to the variety and quality of the chicken’s diet. Chickens raised on pasture with access to bugs, seeds, and plants produce eggs with a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Test It Yourself: Compare a store-bought egg with one from a local farm or backyard coop. You’ll notice the superior taste almost immediately.
5. Bright, Glossy Appearance
High-quality eggs often have a glossy, smooth appearance. The shell should look clean and shiny, indicating that the chicken was kept in hygienic conditions. Dull or dirty shells might suggest poor sanitation or overcrowded living environments.
