Egg prices are on the rise nationwide, affecting everything from our grocery bills to the cost of a morning omelette. In January, the average price for a dozen eggs hit nearly five dollars—the highest in ten years. With a limited supply due to the avian flu crisis, shelves are emptier than usual, prompting shoppers to opt for egg varieties they don’t typically purchase. One unique find at Trader Joe’s has caught attention: fertilized chicken eggs that can actually hatch chicks. A TikTok user recently shared a video of buying and hatching these eggs, sparking a mix of reactions online.
The revelation that Trader Joe’s sells fertilized eggs in packaging similar to regular eggs has left many surprised. Some are amazed, while others are hesitant about consuming them, especially in the midst of the bird flu outbreak. But what exactly are fertile eggs, and why do people buy them? We delved into the matter to find out more.
Fertile eggs from Trader Joe’s are described as eggs laid by hens in the presence of roosters, although not every egg in a carton is guaranteed to hatch. Contrary to common misconceptions, cracking open a fertile egg won’t reveal an embryo for breakfast. Even if an egg is fertilized, it is refrigerated promptly to halt the incubation process. The only way to hatch chicks from these eggs is through careful incubation at a specific temperature.
Despite the initial apprehension, fertile eggs taste no different from infertile ones and have the same appearance, except for a visible germinal spot on the yolk. The nutritional profile of fertile eggs is comparable to regular eggs, with minimal chemical differences, according to experts at the University of Illinois.
Fans of fertile eggs often appreciate the farming practices associated with this variety, such as free-ranging hens and a diverse diet that can lead to higher levels of certain nutrients. However, it’s essential to note that the nutritional benefits come primarily from the hen’s diet and living conditions, rather than the fertilization process itself, as stated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Fertile eggs. Regardless of which eggs you pick up at the store, you’re getting a reliable source of protein and healthy fats. And for that same reason, the risk of contracting bird flu from fertile eggs is the same as any other egg—low, that is. Health experts recommend fully cooking your eggs to minimize the spread of bacteria and viral particles that can cause foodborne illness, from Salmonella to H5N1. You Might Also Like Insanely Easy Weeknight Dinners To Try This Week. 29 Insanely Delicious Vodka Cocktails.
