Why are some eggs white
Answer
The main reason why some eggs are white is because of the difference in the hens that lay them[8]. White eggs are laid by hens with white-laying breeds, typically white leghorns, which are smaller but still produce a lot of eggs making them economical for farmers[8]. The shells are white because the shells are made from calcium carbonate[2].
The pigment that gives brown eggs their color is called protoporphyrin, and is not deposited onto the shells of white eggs[4]. Free-range hens also produce white eggs since they are exposed to less sunlight[1]. As such, the nutritional qualities of white eggs are lower in comparison to brown eggs[8].
Websites
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-vs-brown-eggs
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-19/chemistry-of-eggshell-colour/9455660
- https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2022/04/11/why-are-eggs-different-colors/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/difference-between-brown-and-white-eggs/
- https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/brown-eggs-vs-white-eggs
- https://www.10best.com/web-stories/why-are-brown-eggs-more-expensive-than-white-eggs/
- https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/what-determines-whether-an-egg-is-brown-or-white/
- https://www.bestfoodfacts.org/food-facts-what-is-the-difference-between-white-and-brown-eggs/
- https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2015/09/whats-difference-between-brown-eggs-and.html
- https://greatist.com/eat/what-is-the-difference-between-brown-eggs-and-white-eggs
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