Here is a list of some of the everyday questions I get asked about our eggs and how they are produced;

How are the eggs collected?
Systems do vary, but at Yorkshire Farmhouse we use automatic nestboxes. These are situated in the centre of the houses where the hens lay their eggs. The floor of the nesting boxes is at a slight angle so that the eggs gently roll away on to a covered belt before they can become soiled or damaged. Every morning all the eggs are then collected and taken to the on-farm Pack house ready to be graded and packed. This is in contrast to the majority of packing companies that source their eggs from farms where the eggs are only collected 2-3 times per week.

What is the avg. day in the life for a Yorkshire Farmhouse hen?
Their daily routine is one most of us would envy: up at around 6:00am, they lay their eggs in the warm, quite sanctuary of the nestboxes. Then at around 8:00am special 'pop' holes located around the house open automatically to allow the hens access to the range anytime during the day. This tends to be most of the day, but on wet/windy days they very sensibly tend to stay inside. After a chilled out day on the range they amble back for a good nights kip in the safety of their house.

How long will an egg keep?
Fresh shell eggs can be kept refrigerated in their carton for at least 4 - 5 weeks beyond the pack date. Quality losses should be insignificant if the eggs are refrigerated as soon as possible after purchase from a refrigerated case.

All eggs stamped with the Lion mark should now carry a Best Before date. This date corresponds precisely to 21 days after laying (not packing), so you are, therefore, able to work out just how fresh your eggs are.

What is the best way to store eggs?
The very best way to store eggs is to keep them in their own closed, lidded boxes. Because the shells are porous, eggs can absorb the flavours and aromas of other strong foods, so close the boxes and keep them fairly isolated, particularly if you’re storing them in the fridge.

What are the small blood spots sometimes found in eggs?.
Also called meat spots. Occasionally found on an egg yolk. Contrary to popular opinion, these tiny spots do not indicate a fertilized egg. Rather, they are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the yolk surface during formation of the egg or by a similar accident in the wall of the oviduct. Less than 1% of all eggs produced have blood spots.
Our candling methods reveal most eggs with blood spots and those eggs are removed but, it is impossible to catch all of them. As an egg ages, the yolk takes up water from the albumen to dilute the blood spot so, in actuality, a blood spot indicates that the egg is fresh. Both chemically and nutritionally, these eggs are fit to eat. The spot can be removed with the tip of a knife, if you wish.

Why do some hard-cooked eggs have a greenish ring around the yolk?
The harmless greenish ring is due to an iron and sulfur compound which forms when eggs are overcooked or not cooled quickly.

Is there a difference between brown and white shelled eggs?
No. Shell color is determined by the breed of hen and is not related to quality, nutrients, flavor or cooking characteristics. Since brown egg layers are slightly larger birds and require more food, brown eggs are usually more expensive than white.

Why are some hard-cooked eggs difficult to peel?
Fresh eggs may be difficult to peel. Those which have been stored for a week to 10 days before cooking will usually peel more easily.

Got a question? Why not email us and we will make every effort to provide you with an answer.