There’s much that meets the eye when you look at a chicken egg.
Egg colors
Ever noticed how some chicken eggs are different colors? It’s all due to genetics, according to Michigan State University Extension. All eggs are originally white. As eggs travel through the hen’s oviduct, pigments may be deposited on them, changing the color.
When we think of eggs, most people picture a white-shelled egg, but eggs can also be blue, green or shades of brown.
Check out photos of the colors of eggs laid by different chicken breeds on Backyard Chickens.
Egg nutrition
The color of an egg’s shell does not determine its nutritional value, explains the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
University of Illinois Extension adds that if hens have eaten the same ration, then the eggs will have the same nutritional quality, even if the shells are different colors. In addition, egg cooking qualities and flavor-keeping qualities will remain the same, regardless of shell color.
Egg sizes
Eggs come in different sizes. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service explains that the size noted on a carton of eggs indicates the required minimum weight per dozen of eggs, not the individual size or appearance of the eggs. The sizes of eggs are as follows:
- Jumbo 30 oz.
- Extra Large 27 oz.
- Large 24 oz.
- Medium 21 oz.
- Small 18 oz.
- Peewee 15 oz.
Egg grades
There are three U.S. egg grades, according to The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: AA, A and B.
U.S. grade AA and U.S. grade A are the two grades you see in the supermarket, with grade A being the most common.
U.S. grade AA eggs have thick, firm whites. The yolks are high, round and defect-free. U.S. grade AA egg shells are unbroken.
U.S. grade A eggs are similar to grade AA eggs, but the whites are considered “reasonably firm.”
U.S. grade B grade eggs are typically not sold in stores. These eggs are used for liquid, frozen and dried egg products. U.S. Grade B eggs have thinner yolks and whites than U.S. grade A and AA eggs. The yokes and whites may also be wider and flatter than higher grade eggs.
One or maybe more of my 8-9 month old ISA Browns is laying 3.4-3.7 ounce eggs! Is there a category for them like Jumbo3? LOL. Thank you.
Are you sure about the weight? According to the chart, 3.4 – 3.7 is smaller than the PeeWee size. 34 – 37 ounces would definitely be above the Jumbo at least 1 size, possibly 2..
Great info about eggs, Katie! A quick fact – Eggs color can also be affected by a hen’s age, diet, and stress level! (http://www.saudereggs.com/blog/what-do-different-eggshell-colors-mean/) Best to keep those sly foxes away. :)