Light or dark yolk? Find out what the color says about its nutritional value!

The answer lies in the chicken's diet

The main reason for the difference in color between the yolks is the hen's diet. Hens that eat feed rich in carotenoids, such as corn and green leafy vegetables, produce eggs with darker yolks, tending towards orange. Carotenoids are natural pigments that are deposited in the yolk, giving it its more intense color.

On the other hand, hens that feed mainly on grains such as wheat or sorghum, which have fewer carotenoids, lay eggs with lighter, pale yellow yolks.

Does the color of the yolk influence the quality of the egg?

The color of the yolk is not a direct indicator of the nutritional quality of the egg. Both light and dark yolks are rich in protein, vitamins and essential minerals.

However, some studies suggest that darker yolks may contain a slightly higher amount of carotenoids, which are antioxidants that can bring health benefits.

What about the taste of the egg?

The color of the yolk is also not directly related to the taste of the egg. The taste of the egg is influenced by other factors, such as the breed of hen, the way the egg is stored and the cooking time.

Free-range eggs vs. farm eggs

It's common to associate free-range eggs with darker yolks and farm eggs with lighter yolks. However, this association is not always true.

The diet of free-range hens can vary greatly, and they won't always have access to food rich in carotenoids. Similarly, some farms may provide feed enriched with carotenoids in order to obtain darker yolks.

Conclusion

The color of the egg yolk is mainly influenced by the hen's diet. Darker yolks may indicate a diet rich in carotenoids, but color is not a determining factor in the nutritional quality or taste of the egg.

Source of information

• Mombuca eggs: https://loja.ovosmombuca.com.br/

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