Featured Item: Local Eggs

​Not all eggs are created equal, and deciphering the meaning of labels at the store can be tricky. Cage-free, brown-eggs, natural, free range, soy-free, pasture-raised, local? How to choose! And does it really matter?
 
Yes it does! Eggs coming from confinement operations are more likely to contain growth hormones, antibiotics, and present a higher risk of salmonella. Currently about 95% of eggs produced in the US come from confinement operations and it’s important to know what alternatives there are. Cage-free means that hens are not confined to cages, but does not ensure that they have access to the space or conditions necessary for the birds to thrive. Free-range or free-roaming similarly do not guarantee that hens will have adequate space or humane conditions, simply that they have access to the outdoors. Labels to look for in a store include Organic, Animal Welfare Approved, and Certified Humane which are certified by outside organizations that have high standards for animal welfare. Another common label is pasture raised, or pastured eggs. Pastured often hens live in mobile chicken coops in pasture where they have access to fresh air, grass, and bugs and produce healthier eggs. The pastured label is not well regulated, so be sure to purchase from a farmer you know! Local pastured eggs are the best!   
 
Nutrition fun facts:  “Eggs are quite possibly the world's perfect protein source. The six grams of protein in each egg has the highest biological value—a measure of how well it supports your body's protein needs—of any food, including beef. The yolks contain vitamin B12, deficiencies of which can cause attention, mood, and thinking problems.” Studies have shown that eggs from pastured chickens have twice the amount of vitamin E and more than 2.5 times more omega-3 fatty acid levels. (1)

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Recipe: Kale Potato Frittata 

​Ingredients:

• 4 TBS extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 6 eggs
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Pour the olive oil into a large cast-iron skillet set over medium heat. Add the onions and potatoes. Cook, stirring carefully and occasionally, until the onions brown and the potatoes are tender. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Toss in the kale and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper.
2. Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk together. Pour the eggs into the skillet. Smooth mixture out with a spatula.
3. Preheat the broiler. Turn the heat back on to medium. Cook for a few minutes, until the edges are cooked but the middle is still runny. Then place the skillet underneath the broiler and cook for a few minutes until the top is golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn.
4. Remove the frittata from the pan and let cool on a plate for a few minutes. Then slice up and serve.

Recipe:www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/12/potato-and-kale-frittata-recipe.html
 
Egg facts: www.rodalesorganiclife.com /food/free-range-eggs