Eggs are full of nutrients and rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, etc. But most people consume only hen eggs but there’s more to it when it comes to edible eggs. There are two types of edible eggs- bird eggs and fish eggs. The following are the different types of eggs we can eat!
1. Chicken Eggs
Chicken or Hen eggs are the most common type of eggs that are available almost everywhere and these are what you will get in every market when you ask for ‘eggs’. They are also of two types- white and brown. Both have roughly the same amount of nutrients. Both are rich in proteins, calcium, zinc, and taste mild.
2. Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are similar to white chicken eggs but they have brownish-black dots on them and are comparatively smaller than white chicken eggs. They are rich in vitamin D and B12 and have roughly the same nutrients as white chicken eggs like protein, calcium, zinc. They are sometimes used raw or cooked as Tamago in Sushi and often found in bento lunches. They are a delicacy in Asia, Europe, and North America but in some countries, quail eggs are considered less exotic.
3. Duck Eggs
Duck eggs have larger yolk than chicken eggs and contain high amounts of fat and proteins. They are rich in vitamin B and stay fresh for a long period of time. They also have a thicker shell. They have a large, golden, creamy yolk and they are loved by a lot of people for their extra-eggy flavor. They look aesthetic and their shells are a treat for the eyes. They are almost 50% larger than a large-sized hen’s egg.
4. Caviar
Caviar is a fish egg and among the most exquisite eggs. They are taken from the fish Roe which is salt-cured. They are rich in anti-oxidants and full of sea minerals. Caviar eggs are highly valued as a delicacy that is savored around the globe. It is eaten as a garnish or a spread. The fish ‘Roe’ can be fresh or pasteurized but the process of pasteurization reduces its culinary and economic value.
5. Goose Eggs
Goose eggs are not as easily available as chicken eggs because goose lay not more than 40 eggs per year, hence making them very valuable. They are double the size of chicken eggs and also double the nutrients. They have a much-enriched taste and high amounts of protein. A goose egg has 19.97 grams of protein while a chicken egg has only 6.23 grams. Goose eggshells are hard and thicker. They are more flavorful than hen’s eggs. When fried or poached, they create a pretty dramatic effect on the plate. They can be cooked in the same way as hen’s eggs.
6. Turkey Eggs
Turkey eggs are similar to duck eggs in size. They have a thick yolk and egg-white, hence giving a creamier taste. They are very rich in calcium and iron. Just like geese, even turkeys don’t lay as many eggs. But, they definitely lay more eggs than a goose. They lay nearly 100 eggs per year. Due to such a small number, turkey farmers use the produced eggs for creating more turkeys. They have a white to creamy white or peach color with pretty brown flecks and speckles. The color and number of speckles on each egg depends on the turkey who lays them. Some eggs will have a lot of speckles and some may only have a few.
7. Emu eggs
It will be surprising to know that Emu eggs weigh about 1 kg. The egg is constitued of different layers with the outermost having a distinct texture that is dark green to black in color. Emu eggs are a seasonal item, available from October to March at royal emu farm and hatcheries. The emu lays a dark green egg owing to its outer covering. They are made up in layers and when the dark outer layer is carved away, a hard, waxy, teal colored layer is exposed.
8. Hilsa Eggs
Hilsa eggs are quite popular in Bangladesh and Eastern India. These eggs are a delicacy due to their strong taste. Hilsa eggs come from a fish called Hilsa. These eggs are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients too. They are also packed with vitamins A, B, and C.
9. Ostrich Eggs
Ostrich eggs are the largest bird eggs on the planet. Their shell is so thick that it is very difficult to crack them open and can weigh upto 2 kgs. Although the fat and protein, content is roughly the same as a normal chicken egg, they are about 20 times thicker than it. An ostrich egg contains approximately 2000 calories. An ostrich egg is a good source of choline and vitamin B. However, these eggs contain less vitamin E and vitamin A than that of a chicken egg.
10. Bantam Eggs
Bantam eggs are eggs of a small variety of hens called Bantam. They are smaller than chicken eggs but much richer in iron. Bantam eggs are delicious and nutritious and are especially loved by children because they are a perfect fit for small hands.