We've recently realized that duck eggs are associated with a certain stigma. People tend to think they are "too different" or "gamey", even that they are not healthy; so I think it's time to dispel these misconceptions.
Duck eggs are heavenly! Compared to chicken eggs:
1. Duck eggs are larger: they can be up to 50% bigger than your jumbo chicken egg.
2. Duck eggs vary a bit nutritionally: they have more fat (especially omega 3's), cholesterol, and protein than chicken eggs. This is partly due to their size, but also related to their diet. Ducks forage on insects and greens like chickens do, and also enjoy eating slugs and "mucking" about in the mud, filtering little critters from the muck to gobble up. Our ducks are also supplemented with organic layer feed (just a small amount to get them into their house at night).
Duck egg protein is a slightly different type of protein than found in chicken eggs and, reports say, that many people who have chicken egg protein allergies can tolerate duck egg proteins - though do clear this with your health practitioner before trying them out if this is a concern for you.
3. Duck eggs are superior for baking: they have more albumin than chicken eggs, which will give your baked goods more lift. The increased richness from their higher fat content make creamy, DREAMY custards and puddings. However, this extra albumin (and overall lower water content) make duck egg whites feel rubbery when hard-boiled.
4. Duck eggs taste great: even when used for making over easy eggs in the morning (or omelets, scrambled, quiches, whatever makes you happy), these eggs are fantastic and taste similar to chicken eggs.
5. Duck eggshells look opaque: these shells are thicker than chicken eggshells, which makes then tricky to break and very study. Our Indian Runners lay mainly white or greenish-tinted eggs. You'll notice that they are often stained, even when fresh, and that's because ducks like to cover their eggs up with dirt, leaves, mud, you name it... just to keep them safe. Though they might look a little blotchy on the outside, that strong, thick shell means they are clean on the inside; and, let's be serious here, that's where it counts!
We hope you'll give duck eggs a try, and let us know what you think!
The Rowe Family