What does the color of the yolk say about the egg?

It is commonly believed that a darker yolk means a higher quality and more nutritious egg. However, the color of the yolk is not a reliable indicator of nutritional value.

16376 views 2 comment(s)
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

Have you ever wondered why some egg yolks are pale yellow, while others are orange?

The color of the yolk is directly related to the type of feed that the chickens consume. Chickens that are fed a diet rich in carotenoids, natural pigments found in corn, carrots, alfalfa, and various types of green food, produce eggs with intensely yellow or orange yolks.

On the other hand, hens that eat more grains like wheat and oats lay eggs with pale yellow yolks. It is commonly believed that a darker yolk means a higher quality and more nutritious egg. However, the color of the yolk is not a reliable indicator of nutritional value. Research shows that eggs with darker yolks may contain more vitamin A and lutein, but these differences are not significant, writes City Magazine.si.

Shell color

Additionally, many claim that eggs with yolks taste better. However, the taste of an egg depends more on the variety of diet and the conditions in which the hens are raised than on the color of the yolk itself.

Hens that have access to open pastures and a varied diet tend to lay richer-tasting eggs.

Along with the color of the yolk, the question is often asked whether the color of the eggshell affects the quality. The color of the shell, whether white or brown, does not affect the nutritional value or taste of the egg. This depends entirely on the breed of chicken: white hens lay white eggs, and brown hens lay brown eggs.

Although the color of the yolk can reveal more about the hen's diet, it does not directly reflect the quality, nutritional value, or taste of the egg. For the best taste and nutritional value, it is recommended to purchase eggs from domestic producers who provide quality conditions and a varied diet for the hens.

Regardless of the shade of the yolk, eggs are an excellent source of protein and other important nutrients for your diet.

Bonus video: