DUCK eggs or CHICKEN eggs….which is better?
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!
Hannah on 2009.06.04
I have spatulas that match that pan! I must know where you bought that!!!
I have two ducks out with my chickens. One is a drake, so no eggs. Im hoping our newest addition, a Pekin, will be an egg layer.
Kendall on 2009.06.04
Great post! I’d love to try them sometime! The yolks look amazing.
Duck Lady on 2009.06.04
They are! I’ll bring them on a plane ride someday
Carey on 2009.08.11
Love duck eggs, about to eat some now and was just searching for nutrition information!
Lizanne on 2009.08.18
Thanks for the great photos and thoughts! The first site I found was very negative about the eggs and I knew there must be another side to the story. We “poultry-sat” for our neighbors last month — 4 chickens and 2 ducks — and we all fell in love with the ducks! This gives us more reasons to get some!
jill on 2009.11.09
After having 2 drakes as pets for nearly two years we have just got them four girlies - lucky boys!! - and the results are they we now have duck eggs - great as our hens lay their eggs in all sorts of weird places and we can never find them!!
Duck eggs taste great - not very different to hens eggs and ducks are so much more entertaining and pretty to look at!!
Lea Ott on 2010.04.12
I have chickens and ducks. It’s really difficult to get people to try duck eggs. The only real difference I have found is when you hard boil them. The white is a little translucent. But that doesn’t happen if you poach them.
And you can use them for french toast, waffle batter, scrabbled, and Quiche. They are also really great for baking. If you are making a white cake the white is better than chicken whites.
…And if you are an artist who paints with egg tempra, there is so much more yolk. I would even suggest goose eggs for this. They are enormous!
Lea Ott on 2010.04.12
I forgot to mention that I also have geese….
Mandy on 2010.07.03
Hell funny article! am looking at getting duckings for home kitchen and as class pets.
Your piece had me llaughing lots so when I introduce this overlooked (pet) animal as a viable environmentally friendly assett to the class, school, and our cooking class (eggs only), I have my introduction!
Great job.
wolfgang uhden on 2010.07.26
i love duck eggs.i presently reside in thailand and you can buy them at every market,likely range,for about $2.20 a dozend.great!