Eggs are one of the most beneficial foods you can eat, and it's a shame they've been criticized for so long in the United States.

But not all eggs are created equal.

Eggs from truly organic, free-range chickens are FAR less likely to contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, and their nutrient content is also much higher than commercial raised eggs.

The dramatically superior nutrient levels are most likely the result of the differences in diet between free ranging, pastured hens and commercially farmed hens.

If you are eating organically, then you have learned how important the diet and care of an animal is to the quality of its meat, and in this case, their eggs. But have you ever thought about what happens to these eggs AFTER they are collected?

 

You would think that organic eggs would be your best choice when picking them up at the grocery store. However, most states have laws that make them illegal unless all the eggs that are sold commercially are processed in a way that could damage them.

Some states require that all eggs receive a chlorine bath and mineral oil coating before they are nestled into their cartons.  There are vast differences in how eggs are processed and handled, even under the "certified organic" label.  As it turns out, what happens outside the shell is as important as what happens inside the shell.

Eggshells are a porous membrane. Like your skin, what's put ON your egg goes INTO your egg. Meaning, whatever the eggshell comes into contact with can cross over this semi-permeable membrane and end up in your scrambled eggs, from chlorine to mineral oil to dish soap -- to salmonella.

So, how can you tell if your eggs have been washed in chlorine or lye, or in some other chemical, or coated with mineral oil?

You can't tell by looking at them.

The only way to know if your eggs have been washed or oiled (and using what agents) is to ask the producer -- and the only way to do that is to buy from small local farmers you have direct contact with.

It is important to know where your food comes from. And if you don't ask, they won't tell you.  The key here is to buy your eggs locally.  About the only time I purchase eggs from the store is if for some reason I missed my local egg delivery.

Finding high quality organic eggs locally is very easy. If you live in an urban area visiting the local health food stores is typically the quickest route to finding the high quality local egg sources.

Farmers Markets are another great way to meet the people who produce your food. With face-to-face contact, you can get your questions answered and know exactly what you're buying. Better yet, visit the farm -- ask for a tour. If they have nothing to hide, they should be eager to show you their operation.

If you live in New York or New Jersey, Uddermilk.com delivers these fabulous eggs straight to your home plus many other wonderful products.

Remember, clean and happy chickens lead to healthy eggs.