Have you ever thought about EATING a duck egg? I don’t think most people do. When I tell folks that I have ducks in my backyard for the eggs, they scrunch up their face and give me that “why would you want to do that?” look. We’ve had 3 more eggs in the yard this last day, therefore, we needed to have the celebratory egg on toast for breakfast.

Very fresh, free-range duck eggs are similar to very fresh free-range chicken eggs, in both appearance and flavor. The yolks are deep orange; the flavor is rich; and fresh eggs “stand up” when cracked into a pan.

Duck eggs have a slightly higher fat content and a bit more cholesterol than chicken eggs. I don’t plan to survive exclusively on eggs, so I don’t see this as a big problem.  One health benefit with duck eggs is that most people who are allergic to chicken eggs are able to eat duck eggs without allergic reactions.  Another recent study found that free-range eggs are much higher in omega-3 fatty acids than eggs from birds raised in confinement.  I’m all about omega-3!

Duck eggs also have more albumen (the protein in the white) than chicken eggs, which gives them more structure when cooked. For this reason, lots of folks really like duck eggs for baking.  The extra protein creates additional loft in cakes.

When fried, duck eggs set up firmer than chicken eggs (especially if they are very fresh). Many people call the result “rubbery” and recommend steam-frying them, but I think this is an exaggeration. I really don’t see much difference.

The shells of duck eggs are thicker than those of chicken eggs, which makes them harder to crack. I was used to cracking eggs on the flat counter to prevent bits of shell getting into the egg, but I’m going back to using the edge of a bowl.

Now, if you really want the nitty gritty, check out the nutrition comparison of a duck egg versus a chicken egg.  The flavor of a duck only varies slightly from a chicken egg.  They are rich, and their flavor is a bit darker than that of chicken eggs. That’s the best I can describe it and I think they are pretty darn yummy!

When it’s all said and done, what I have in the end is one damn ugly fried egg on toast.  It ain’t pretty, but it sure is good!  AND, I know where it came from…..

 That not so pretty hen, sitting outside, chomping on a  TOMATO PLANT!!!!!!!!  AHHHHH!!  Gotta run!