“Earn commission or revenue on some items through these links” may be generated by Hearst Magazines and Yahoo. The surge in egg prices nationwide is affecting various aspects, from our routine grocery shopping to the cost of an omelette at Waffle House. Government data reveals that in January, the average price of a dozen eggs hit almost five dollars—the highest in ten years. Due to the avian flu crisis causing a limited supply, shelves are emptier than usual, leading shoppers to opt for egg varieties they usually don’t purchase. A recent TikTok post by user @thecaliforniahome shows her purchasing fertilized chicken eggs at Trader Joe’s, incubating them at home, and successfully hatching chicks. This unexpected find left many online users in awe and disbelief. We were left pondering why Trader Joe’s sells fertile eggs, who would want to buy them, and whether they are safe to eat amidst the bird flu scare. To address these questions, we delved into an investigation.
**Understanding Fertile Eggs**
Trader Joe’s classifies their fertile eggs as those laid by hens in contact with roosters, though not all eggs in the carton may be viable for hatching. Only eight out of the dozen eggs incubated in the TikTok video resulted in chicks. It’s worth noting that even if an egg is fertilized, refrigeration halts the incubation process, making it impossible for an embryo to develop. Therefore, consuming fertile eggs won’t reveal any unpleasant surprises when cracked open for cooking.
**Taste and Health Considerations**
Despite the presence of male cells, fertilized eggs have a similar taste and appearance to infertile ones, with a slight difference in the germinal spot on the yolk. The flavor and texture remain unchanged, as confirmed by the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, which states that chemical variations between fertile and infertile eggs are indiscernible. Fans of fertile eggs often prefer them due to the animals’ living conditions, such as free-range or cage-free environments that allow for natural grazing and varied diets. This can result in pasture-raised eggs with higher levels of vitamins and fatty acids, but these nutritional benefits are primarily influenced by the hens’ diet rather than the fertilization process. The USDA affirms that there is no significant nutritional distinction between fertilized and unfertilized eggs.
Both fertilized and infertile eggs can be found at the store. Whether you choose one or the other, you can count on a reliable source of protein and healthy fats. The risk of contracting bird flu from fertilized eggs is just as low as from any other type of egg. Health experts advise fully cooking your eggs to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses, such as Salmonella and H5N1. To maintain your health, it’s essential to take necessary precautions when handling and cooking eggs. Additionally, incorporating apple cider vinegar into your diet may potentially aid in weight loss, and makeup artist Bobbi Brown has shared her top face-transforming makeup tips for women over 50.
