Summary of The Surprising Reason the Color Of Egg Yolks Matter:
The color of an egg yolk is determined by the feed of the hen and their overall well-being, rather than the nutritional value of the egg. The presence of carotenoids in the hen’s diet helps to produce a golden-colored yolk. The variation in yolk color is affected by how often, how much, and what hens eat, and can be measured using tools like the DSM YolkFan. Egg yolks, regardless of color, offer a significant amount of nutrition. Consumers do prefer darker egg yolks, but this is linked to the hens’ feed and the presence of xanthophylls. Ultimately, choosing a yolk color depends on personal preference and budget, as all colors offer good nutrition.
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Exploring the Colors of Egg Yolks: What You Need to Know
Egg yolks come in a variety of colors, from pale yellow to a deep orange. These different hues can catch us off guard and cause us to question if our eggs are still safe to eat. However, the color of the yolk is more closely linked to the feed of the hen than the overall nutritional value of the egg. Here are some things you need to know about egg yolk colors.
The Role of Feed in Yolk Color
One of the biggest factors impacting the color of a yolk is the feed. Research shows that dietary carotenoids, found in foods like carrots and leafy greens, can help improve the yolk color. The healthier the hen and the better quality feed they eat, the more carotenoids they will pass on to their eggs, resulting in a more golden hue.
What Yolk Color Tells Us
According to Dr. Fernando Cisneros from DSM, the nutritional value of an egg is determined by its protein content, amino acid profile, and vitamin and mineral content. While deeper, golden-colored yolks may indicate a healthier hen, they don’t necessarily equate to better nutrition. Simply put, yolks come in different shades and don’t impact the overall nutritional value of the egg.
Raising Healthy Hens for Optimal Yolk Color
Jeanine Flaherty, from Vital Farms, agrees that yolk color is an indication of a hen’s diet and overall well-being. Vital Farms’ hens are pasture-raised and eat a variety of seasonal vegetation and critters as well as supplemental feed developed by a poultry nutritionist. The goal is to support the hens’ health and active lifestyle so that they can produce the best quality eggs.
Measuring Yolk Color
To ensure a consistent yolk color across the industry, the poultry industry worldwide uses the DSM YolkFan™. The YolkFan™ measures the color of egg yolks on a standardized scale. A deeper shade of orange is the standard that most consumers prefer. For Vital Farms, their goal is for their yolks to score between 9-11 on the scale, which is considered a rich yellow color.
Bottom Line
The varying colors of egg yolks may surprise you, but they don’t impact the overall nutritional value of the egg. Yolk color is a result of the hen’s diet and well-being, and researchers have found that carotenoids in the feed can help improve yolk color. Regardless of the yolk color, all eggs are a great source of protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
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