As the world’s largest supplier of eggs, the United States produces nearly 100 billion each year. The majority of these eggs come from chickens who spend their lives in wire cages with their movements severely restricted. Healthier and more humane options, such as cage-free, free-range, and organic eggs, are available throughout the Valley. Learn the differences below and find out where to sample this culinary staple.
Free-range eggs
These eggs come from chickens that spend some part of the day outdoors, as opposed to being confined to a cage. Their diet consists of grass and bugs in addition to grain. The eggs have higher levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids. They also have less fat and cholesterol than conventional eggs.
Where to get them:
Available locally at Rusty Plough Farm in Ellenville, Wild Hive Farm in Clinton Corners, and Yellow Bell Farm in Elizaville.
Cage-free eggs
These eggs are produced by chickens who have the ability to stretch and move around indoors. Typically large flocks live inside a large warehouse, where they are provided with boxes for nesting.
Where to get them:
Find cage-free eggs locally at Feather Ridge Farm in Elizaville.
Organic eggs
Farmers who produce organic eggs must follow strict animal welfare standards, such as prohibiting the use of medication, and only feeding their livestock organic feed that is free of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and genetically modified organisms. These farmers are certified organic, therefore they undergo annual inspections by a USDA-accredited third party.
Where to get them:
Try them at Neversink Farm in Claryville.
