Chicken eggs from various chicken breeds emerge in different shades because of pigments which are deposited as the eggs move through the hen's oviduct. The pigment depositions are determined by the chicken's genetics, with some breeds producing rich dark brown eggs, for example, while others lay snow white eggs. The eggs inside are essentially identical; there are no major flavor differences between chicken eggs from different birds, as the flavor is determined by the chicken's diet.
There are three main colors for chicken eggs. Most eggs in the store come in white or shades of brown. It is also possible to find blue to green chicken eggs, which come from the Aracuana, a breed of chicken developed in Chile. Araucanas have also been crossed with other breeds to produce the Americauna, sometimes called the “Easter egg chicken” in a reference to its multicolored eggs.
Originally, all chicken eggs were probably brown. Over time, people selectively bred chickens with progressively lighter eggs, ultimately producing white chicken eggs, which came to be the norm. Brown eggs were reintroduced to the market in the late 20th century, although people on farms were already quite familiar with them. Some classic white egg laying breeds include Andalusians, Faverolles, Dorkings, Leghorns, and Lakenvelders. Barnevelders, Rhode Island Reds, Jersey Giants, Delawares, and Orpingtons are well known for their brown eggs, which vary in color from light cream to dark brown.
In many cases, a chicken with white ear lobes will produce white eggs, while chickens with red ear lobes lay brown eggs, although this is not always true. Size is not a determining factor, with white eggs coming from tiny Bantams just as they do from large Leghorns. The color of the chicken is also irrelevant; chickens actually come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes which run the gamut from strange-looking Frizzled Cochins to sleek black and white Lakenvelders.
The color of chicken eggs should not influence your purchasing decisions at the market, as the contents of the egg are what counts. Chickens who eat free range, varied diets tend to produce healthier eggs, as their free range lifestyles allow them to consume the dietary minerals they need for their own health, and these minerals will be passed down in their eggs. You may also have noticed that farm-fresh eggs tend to have dark yolks, whereas chicken eggs from battery hens tend to have lighter yolks; this color is determined by what the hen eats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines the color of a chicken's egg?
The color of a chicken's egg is determined by genetics. Specific genes dictate whether a hen will produce brown, white, or blue eggs. The pigment biliverdin gives blue eggs their color, while protoporphyrin results in brown eggs. White eggs lack these pigments, revealing the eggshell's natural color.
Can you predict the egg color by looking at the chicken?
Yes, often you can predict the egg color by looking at the chicken's earlobes. Chickens with white earlobes typically lay white eggs, while those with red earlobes usually lay brown eggs. However, this is not a foolproof method, as there are exceptions based on breed and genetic variations.
Does the color of the eggshell affect the nutritional value of the egg?
No, the color of the eggshell does not affect the nutritional value of the egg. The nutritional content is more influenced by the hen's diet and environment than by the eggshell color. All eggs, regardless of shell color, contain similar levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Why do some breeds lay blue or green eggs?
Some chicken breeds, like the Araucana, Ameraucana, and Cream Legbar, have a unique gene that causes them to lay blue or green eggs. The blue color is created by the pigment biliverdin, which is deposited during egg formation. Green eggs result from brown pigment overlaying a blue shell.
Is there any difference in taste between eggs of different colors?
There is no inherent difference in taste between eggs of different colors. Taste variations are more likely due to the hen's diet and living conditions. Free-range hens that forage for a varied diet may produce eggs with a richer flavor compared to those fed a standard commercial diet, regardless of egg color.
Are certain egg colors more expensive or rare?
Some egg colors can be more expensive or rare due to the scarcity of the chicken breeds that lay them. For example, blue and green eggs are less common and may be pricier in some markets. The novelty and demand for these unique colors can drive up costs compared to the more common white and brown eggs.
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.