Should I be eating raw eggs?

Most of us grew up with the view that raw eggs were dangerous and contained salmonella, these days we’re approaching food with more of an open mind. 

Raw eggs are packed with beneficial nutrients, as are cooked eggs so what’s the difference?
Basically, heat destroys the enzymes that help us absorb nutrients so we take in more of the vitamins and minerals found in yolks. 

By removing the egg white you’re less likely to experience an allergic reaction to eggs and they are gentler on the digestive system compared to being cooked.

Let’s talk nutrients…

• Vitamin A – Vitamin A is only found in animal products and egg yolks are a rich source of this vitamin necessary for balancing hormones. 
• Vitamin D – Like vitamin A, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin lacking in the Western diet. Most people are not receiving adequate vitamin D from sunlight.
• Choline – 1 egg yolk provides 35% of your daily allowance of choline. Choline it vital for detoxification, as it helps neutralise toxins.
• Selenium – Egg yolks are nature’s thyroid support supplement.
• Iodine – 1 egg yolk containing 27 micrograms of iodine.
• Vitamin B6 – This heat-sensitive vitamin is damaged with cooking, so raw yolks ensures the maximum absorption of the nutrient.
• Biotin – An egg provides about 25% of your daily needs for biotin. This vitamin plays a key role in skin, hair, metabolic and blood-sugar health. 
• Omega-3 fatty acids – These anti-inflammatory fats are vital for general wellbeing.
• Cholesterol – Cholesterol in egg yolks provide health-protective properties and play a key role in immune strength.

More and more people are including raw eggs into their everyday diet, so what are the benefits and is it really safe?
Yes, eating raw eggs is safe - if they come from the right source. Look for a high quality egg supplier, these eggs are less likely to contain salmonella bacteria. Obviously, if you’re pregnant, elderly or have a weak immune system you might want to seek medical advice before including raw eggs into your diet. 

The texture is weird, how should I eat them?
The texture can be a bit too much for some people and is quite off putting. Think about adding them to milkshakes or smoothies, the texture won’t affect the drink too much, actually it’ll make them a bit creamier!

Our Perfect Picnic Essentials

A summer picnic is the ideal way for friends and  family to spend time together so pack some delicious food and drink and check out our top tips on experiencing a perfect picnic. 

• Pick your spot wisely.
  Picnics are ideal for a local beauty spot, whether that’s a park, beach or woods. Make sure you’re away from too many insects before you lay down your blanket and set our your food. 

In the case of uncertain weather (well this is England after all) try a local park or an open space near a pub , you want to be able to take shelter quickly if the rain comes on. 

Are you taking the kids? Consider places for them to play and run around after they’ve eaten. Take a football, frisbee or some bubbles to keep them entertained whilst you kick back

• Pack light. 
  You don’t need an awkward wicker basket to enjoy a traditional summer picnic, use a trusty backpack to carry your supplies. 
   
• What to pack?
  Blanket
  Wet wipes
  Sun cream
  Food
  Drink
  Something to keep the kids entertained.
   
• Food & Drink 
  Light finger food is best for picnics. Not only will it be on the warmer side for you to be actually having a picnic which in itself reduces your appetite but light bites mean you don’t have to carry cutlery and  plates with you. Keep your food in a small cooler, you want your food to stay fresh. 

A good lemonade or cider is ideal for picnic beverages, something light and fruity is perfectly suited to an alfresco lunch. 

• Remember to clean up
  Take a carrier bag to pick up your leftovers and be sure to put it in a rubbish bin, you don’t want to ruin somebody else’s fun family picnic! 

Here’s a couple of our top picnic picks!
Our spinach & ham quiche or leek & goats cheese tart 

Help your hens produce the best eggs

 The quality of an egg reflects the care your hens receive, getting great looking and tasty eggs takes a lot of effort—and not just on the chicken’s part!

When will my hens start laying?

This varies with breeds but typically most hens begin laying when they reach around 20 weeks. The first eggs a young hen will lay can appear small, misshapen or have small spots of blood present on the shell, at this point you should switch your hen onto a calcium rich “layer feed” to encourage regular eggshell production. Naturally hens will lay one egg per day but will occasionally skip a day due to the egg production cycle.

Do hens need a rooster to lay eggs?

No, hens can produce eggs with or without a male present. If you keep your hens with a rooster you may find you will have fertilised eggs and this could result in chicks and a bigger brood if the eggs are left to incubate.

Here's a few more things that can affect egg production...

• Sensitivity to light can affect the regularity of egg production.

• Nutrient deficiencies will affect egg quality - feed needs to be suited to the type of bird as well as the hens age.

• Use scratch grains to encourage the natural behaviour but don’t overfeed as hens will lose their appetite for more nutritious foods.

• Have a large feeder so all hens can eat at the same time, this prevents some chickens not getting enough nutrients.

• Don’t store feed for more than two months as it is susceptible to mould.

• Calcium is a vital part of a laying hens diet, however, with growing hens too much of the nutrient can cause kidney damage.

Finally, you should collect eggs daily and refrigerate them immediately.