Certified Organic And Free Range Eggs: Why It’s Important To Buy

The term "free range" refers to a farming system in which chickens are allowed to roam freely within an area on a farm. They aren't kept in a single cage or container. While free range is considered better than cage free or caged eggs, certified organic eggs actually have way more to offer and we’re going to explore why.

What are the differences between free range eggs and open range eggs?

Terminology such as cage free, barn laid, and free range can often confuse consumers. Cage free and free range systems have several similarities. Most notably, both systems provide indoor floor-based housing systems equipped with nest boxes, perches, and automatic feeding and watering systems. Open range eggs however come from hens who have been given the freedom of open areas to roam. 

One of the conditions of the organic certification process for egg farmers is that the eggs are free range but it incorporates a whole range of other conditions that the farmer needs to adhere to such as: feed that is free from synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. No chemicals are used on the paddocks, so the soil has to be tested. There are also controls regarding the density of the hens such as how many hens per hectare are allowed. 

All organic eggs sold here at Doorstep Organics are certified open range which means they have to spend a minimum time out of the barn.

Here are some significant reasons why we believe you should choose certified organic eggs for all your cooking and baking needs:

1. Balanced nutrition 

Certified organic eggs are unlike any other food in terms of nutrition. Open range eggs are packed with 6 grams of protein, 70 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, high quantities of lutein and zeaxanthin (which help prevent vision loss like macular degeneration later in life), and healthy doses of vitamins A, D, and E They're also high in choline, which helps with memory and nerve function.

2. A richer source of vitamins and minerals

Other vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins B, D, A, Potassium, and Sodium, are found in greater abundance in free range and open range chickens and as a result their eggs too. 

3. Open Range and free range chickens produce better eggs

Do you enjoy having eggs for breakfast? Do you prefer them boiled, scrambled, or sunny side up? Whatever your preference, there is one significant aspect regarding this famous poultry staple that you should be aware of.

Open and free range hens lay healthier eggs than the rest of the flock. Eggs from open range hens have 13% less cholesterol, 14% less saturated fat, 23% more vitamin A, two times more omega-3, three times more vitamin E, and seven times more beta-carotene. Most importantly, they are typically a little larger than regular eggs.

4. Less cholesterol

The cholesterol content of certified organic eggs is up to a third lower than that of conventional retail eggs. The average cholesterol content of a regular egg is 423 milligrams, while free range eggs have 277 milligrams. If you're concerned about cholesterol, free range certified organic eggs are a good option.

5. Meals that absolutely satisfy 

With only 72 calories in a single free range egg, you can load up on a substantial, healthy scramble for breakfast without blowing your fitness and health goals.  

And owing to the one-two punch of protein and healthy fats that eggs provide, you'll be filled up until lunchtime. Can you say the same thing about your breakfast bowl?

6. Happier chickens

Ellerslie Free Range Eggs, for example, go above and beyond to provide buyers who care about animal welfare with peace of mind. They do so by ensuring their eggs are Australian Certified Organic (ACO).

An ACO certification means putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to labelling, which is critical given the egg industry's history of deceptive marketing. (Did you know that even cage free eggs are occasionally produced in massive factories using combi-aviary systems, which are just larger cages?) ACO eggs are produced on a "human scale," meaning they are not produced on factory farms. 

These hens are fed a nutritious diet, have access to clean water, and are free to roam in paddocks free from any chemicals. They're simply happier, and healthier hens lay better eggs.

Choose certified organic eggs

The term "free range" refers to hens who are allowed to roam freely around their coops and have access to some outdoor space. Egg certification schemes are the most effective approach to learning about how farmers raise their chickens. While the nutritional differences between free range and cage eggs is relatively small, caged chickens have a lower quality of life because they are unable to engage in many of their natural behaviours. 

Open range takes it one step further and all our eggs here at Doorstep Organics are certified organic open range eggs. These  chickens have a much better life because they have more area to engage in their natural behaviours. Choose organic eggs from our organic egg and baking collection here if you care about animal welfare and the quality of your eggs.

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