Is there a difference in nutritional content between these two eggshells, so which one is better to choose, white or green?
Duck eggs are one of the foods rich in protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and other nutrients. When choosing duck eggs, we see that they come with either white or green shells. Is there a difference in nutritional content between these two eggshells, so which one is better to choose, white or green?
Why do duck eggs come in two different colors?
The main reason duck eggs come in two different colors is primarily due to the genetics of the duck and, to a small extent, the diet. In fact, different breeds of chickens, ducks, and other poultry produce eggs with different shell colors. For example, chicken eggs come in red, brown, and white, while duck eggs come in green and white shells.
However, whether it’s white or green duck eggs, both are rich in high-quality protein, lipids, calcium, iron, and minerals, providing good nutritional value. Eating duck eggs regularly is beneficial for supplementing essential nutrients for the body.
The difference between “white shell” and “green shell” eggs:
- Shell thickness:
White duck eggs: Thinner shells compared to green duck eggs. While not visible to the naked eye, you can feel the difference by touching or lightly weighing them compared to green duck eggs.
-
Green duck eggs: Thicker shells than white duck eggs. The quality of duck eggs with green shells is better than those with white shells. Therefore, choosing green-shelled duck eggs is not only beneficial for health but also for better transportation and storage. - Nutritional content:
- The protein content of green-shelled duck eggs is 4.23% higher than white-shelled duck eggs.
- The selenium and lysine content is slightly lower than in white-shelled duck eggs.
- The content of 15 other amino acids and zinc is higher in green-shelled duck eggs than in white-shelled duck eggs.
Although the nutritional differences are small, comparing the two, green-shelled duck eggs are relatively better. If consumed regularly, it is advisable to choose green-shelled eggs. When preparing salted duck eggs, choosing green-shelled duck eggs is recommended as they are thicker and more durable, making them easier to handle and store. The taste is also more even and better than white-shelled duck eggs.
How to choose fresh duck eggs:
When choosing duck eggs, you can rely on sensory cues to select fresh and nutritious eggs:
- Sound: Hold the duck egg close to your ear and shake it gently. If there is no sound, the egg is of good quality. If there is a slight sound, the duck egg may not be fresh, so it’s better not to buy it.
- Touch: When choosing duck eggs, especially when selecting eggs laid by hand, you can hold the egg in your hand and feel it. It is best to choose duck eggs that feel rough when touched.
Salted Duck Egg Preparation:
Ingredients:
- Duck eggs
- High-quality liquor
- Salt
Steps:
- Prepare duck eggs with both green and white shells. Taste them to identify the differences, then rinse them with clean water and let them dry.
- Prepare two small bowls, one for white liquor and one for salt. Use a corresponding freshness-keeping bag for the number of duck eggs.
- Soak the duck eggs in the white liquor bowl first, then place them directly into the salt bowl, ensuring an even immersion in salt. Encase them tightly in a freshness-keeping bag.
- If making many salted duck eggs, you can also place them directly into a box and store them in a cool place at room temperature. They can be used within a month.
- After at least 20 days, preferably a month, since the pickled duck eggs are still alive, they cannot be eaten directly. Steam or boil them, and they will be delicious.
