5 Benefits of Turkey Eggs for a Healthier Diet
Turkey eggs are nutritious, similar to chicken eggs but with more cholesterol. They are safe to eat, rich in protein and vitamins, with a creamy taste.
Turkey eggs are an uncommonly used item among those who use eggs for cooking. The limited number of people who use turkey eggs is mainly based on the limited number of turkey eggs produced annually.According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, turkey hens lay between 70 and 100 eggs annually, which means they are not as readily available as chicken eggs.
Plus, since only 0 to 15 percent of all laid eggs survive to hatch, it is rare to have access to an edible turkey egg.
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Is it healthy to eat turkey eggs?
Turkey eggs are healthy and safe to eat. As with any other type of egg, turkey eggs are best when cooked or at least pasteurized, killing harmful bacteria. In addition, Turkey eggs are a great source of protein, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
What is the nutritional value of turkey eggs?
Turkey eggs have similar nutritional value to chicken eggs, especially when adjusting for the size difference. Turkey eggs contain 135 calories and nine grams of fat and are a good source of healthy protein. However, turkey eggs have more than twice the cholesterol of chicken eggs, so they might not be the best option when watching cholesterol intake.
Turkey eggs are also a good source for the following nutritional items our bodies need daily:
- Essential amino acids
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B9 (folate)
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
Does turkey egg taste good?
Turkey eggs taste similar to chicken eggs, and most people believe the two eggs are identical in flavor. However, some people claim that turkey eggs have a creamier taste than chicken eggs and that they are higher in fat content, increasing their flavor profile.
Ultimately, the taste difference between a chicken egg and a turkey egg is very slight; however, many feel that the turkey egg is a bit richer, more like a duck egg.
Are turkey eggs better than chicken eggs?
Chicken eggs are not as full of nutrients as turkey eggs, which also contain more protein than chicken eggs. However, turkey eggs do have more calories and cholesterol than chicken eggs, which can make these eggs less ideal for those counting calories and watching their cholesterol.
FAQs about Turkey Eggs
Why are turkey eggs not popular?
Turkey eggs are less popular than chicken eggs due to the higher cost of production and the scarcity of these eggs. Turkey eggs cost about $3 per egg, almost equivalent to a dozen or more chicken eggs. The price of the turkey eggs makes them less desirable when needing eggs for cooking and baking.
What is the difference between chicken and turkey eggs?
Turkey eggs are thicker and tougher shell membrane than chickens, which makes turkey eggs harder to break. Additionally, turkey eggs are bigger than chicken eggs, which can cause complications in recipes. Turkey eggs weigh about 80 grams, while large chicken eggs weigh 50 grams.
Do turkeys lay eggs?
Turkeys, like other birds, lay eggs, but they do not lay eggs as frequently as chickens, or other birds do. Chickens can lay about 300 eggs annually, and turkeys typically lay about 100.
Additionally, turkeys do not start laying eggs until they are seven months old, while chickens begin as early as five months.
Can I find turkey eggs at the grocery store?
Turkey eggs are not as readily available as chicken eggs, and in most cases, they are unavailable at local grocery stores. Therefore, it can be challenging to find turkey eggs.
Farmers’ markets and specialty stores are the best options for finding turkey eggs. It might even be possible to speak with a farmer who raises turkeys to see if they will sell some eggs. The best time to call is between April and June when turkeys tend to lay most of their eggs.
Are turkey eggs a different color than chicken eggs?
Chicken eggs come in multiple colors: white, brown, and blue. Turkey eggs come in white or cream-colored eggs with brown speckles.
Do turkey eggs contain cholesterol?
Like other eggs, turkey eggs have high amounts of cholesterol, as high as 737 milligrams per egg. Additionally, turkey eggs contain 2.9 grams of saturated fats, which makes eggs not as healthy as some people think.
Is it possible to eat the whites of turkey eggs?
Since a turkey egg’s yolk contains the most cholesterol, calories, and fat, you can get rid of the yolk and consume the egg whites. Though many believe the yolk should be skipped, it is the part of the egg containing the most health benefits and a significant amount of the egg’s nutrients. So, depending upon your nutritional needs, eating egg whites might not be more beneficial, but it is possible.
How do I cook a turkey egg?
Turkey eggs can be cooked and prepared like any other egg. Popular ways to cook eggs may include scrambled, poached, sunny side up, fried, and soft or hard-boiled.
How do I store turkey eggs?
The best way to store turkey eggs is to place them in cartons with the broad side up. Store eggs in a cool pantry or cupboard for up to one week.
Do I have to refrigerate turkey eggs?
Putting turkey eggs in the refrigerator will help them last longer. Though unwashed eggs do not require refrigeration, it is still best to put them in the fridge to help them retain their structural integrity.
Additionally, storing eggs in the refrigerator helps reduce the risk of Salmonella but can cause condensation on the eggs from the fluctuations in temperature.
Do I have to wash turkey eggs?
When turkey eggs are laid, they are covered in a natural protective coating called the “bloom” or the “cuticle.” This protective coating helps keep bacteria out of the egg, and washing the layer away exposes the egg’s porous shell leaving it vulnerable to harmful bacteria.
You do not have to wash this barrier away, and unwashed eggs can sit at room temperature for a couple of weeks and remain edible. However, it must be refrigerated once the egg has touched the water.
If you are gathering turkey eggs, intending to sell them because, in most states, they must be washed and refrigerated before selling. Check with your state’s guidelines regarding the requirements for selling farm-fresh turkey eggs.
More FAQs
Can you eat turkey eggs like you do chicken eggs?
Turkey eggs can be eaten just like chicken eggs. People who raise turkeys in their backyard have found that the taste of turkey eggs is very similar to that of chicken eggs. While turkey eggs are slightly larger and have a slightly tougher shell and thicker membrane compared to chicken eggs, the overall difference is not significant.
Do turkey eggs have yolk?
Turkey eggs do have yolk, which is known for its higher cholesterol content (16.52 mg/g yolk) and proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (49.66%) compared to chicken eggs (Table 4.4).
