Turkey eggs are one of the most underutilized foods. Despite being just as edible and nutritious as chicken eggs, most people don’t even consider eating them. However, turkey eggs are absolutely safe to eat and offer some great health benefits. Here’s a deep dive into why you should give turkey eggs a try.
Turkey Eggs Are Safe and Nutritious
The main reason turkey eggs are not more popular is that people assume they are unsafe or unpalatable. However, this is far from the truth. Turkey eggs are just as safe to consume as chicken eggs, provided they are cooked properly. Like with any egg, raw turkey eggs may contain Salmonella or other bacteria, so fully cooking them destroys any potential pathogens.
In terms of nutrition, turkey eggs are almost identical to chicken eggs. They are an excellent source of protein, providing 6 grams per large egg. The protein in eggs contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete, high-quality protein.
Turkey eggs also contain iron, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folate. The yolks are rich in choline, an essential nutrient for brain and liver health.
Overall turkey eggs provide the same nutritional benefits as chicken eggs, packing a powerful punch of protein vitamins, and minerals.
The Taste and Texture of Turkey Eggs
When it comes to taste and texture turkey eggs are quite similar to chicken eggs. The white has the same consistency while the yolk tends to be slightly richer and creamier.
People describe the flavor of turkey eggs as indistinguishable from chicken eggs or with a slight “gamey” essence. The gamey taste is very subtle and much less pronounced compared to duck or quail eggs
When fried, poached, scrambled, or prepared any other way, turkey eggs are just as delicious as chicken eggs. The only textural difference is that turkey eggs tend to have a thicker shell and membrane, so they can be a little harder to crack. But once cooked, they are almost indistinguishable from chicken eggs.
Why Don’t We Eat More Turkey Eggs?
If turkey eggs are so tasty and nutritious, why don’t we see them in stores or restaurants? There are a few reasons for this:
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Lower egg production: On average, turkeys only lay 2 eggs per week, compared to chickens which lay 1 egg daily. The lower output makes them less economically viable.
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Longer time to mature: It takes around 7 months for turkeys to mature and start laying eggs, whereas chickens only take 5 months. This longer wait time increases costs.
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More expensive to raise: Turkeys require much more space, food, and care compared to chickens. This makes their eggs cost prohibitive to produce on a large scale.
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Higher value as breeders: Turkey eggs that are fertilized are worth more for breeding turkeys for meat production. So farmers have less incentive to sell them for human consumption.
Due to these economic constraints, turkey eggs will likely remain a niche food item. But for the adventurous home cook or anyone raising their own turkeys, they are certainly worth trying!
Tips for Cooking with Turkey Eggs
Turkey eggs can be used in all the same ways one would use chicken eggs. Here are some tips for cooking with them:
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Crack eggs gently or roll them on a hard surface to break the thicker shell before frying, poaching, or baking.
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Adjust recipes slightly since the eggs are around 20% larger than chicken eggs. Use 3 turkey eggs for every 4 chicken eggs.
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Store turkey eggs in the refrigerator just like chicken eggs, for up to 5 weeks.
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Whip up fluffy omelets, scrambles, and frittatas to highlight the creamy yolk.
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Make quiches, custards, or scrambled eggs to showcase the rich, silky texture.
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For poached or sunny-side up eggs, cook the whites through while leaving the orange yolk runny.
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Bake cookies, cakes, muffins, or breads using turkey eggs as a binder. They work great in place of chicken eggs.
With their stellar nutrition, great taste, and versatility in cooking, turkey eggs are an underrated gem. If you get the chance to try them, take advantage of this unique delicacy. Just be sure to fully cook them first for food safety. But otherwise, turkey eggs can be enjoyed in all the same delicious ways as standard chicken eggs. Give them a shot for your next breakfast, baking project, or omelet night!
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The Economics of Turkey Eggs
Unless you know someone who raises their own turkeys, turkey eggs are extremely difficult to find. The reason for that comes down to economics, which in turn is a function of the turkeys fertility cycle. For starters, turkeys lay up to 100 eggs per year, compared to up to 350 chicken eggs laid per year for top egg-laying chickens.
Moreover, turkeys are bigger and require more space and more food, which means its more expensive to raise turkeys. Turkeys also take longer to start laying eggs, beginning at around 28 weeks of age as opposed to around 20 weeks for chickens. To put that in context, a turkey is ready for slaughter at 14 to 18 weeks, meaning it requires and additional 10 to 14 weeks of feeding before it ever lays a single egg. When the turkey does finally start laying, its at a rate of up to about two eggs per week, compared to almost one chicken egg a day for top egg-laying chickens.
Turkey Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs
Turkey and chicken eggs share some similarities but are also very different from each other. Turkey eggs are quite a bit bigger than chicken eggs—more than 50 percent larger. Whereas a chicken egg weighs about 50 grams, a turkey egg can range from about 65 to 115 grams but is typically similar in size to the size of duck eggs.
When it comes to taste, its generally agreed that these two types of eggs taste about the same, although turkey eggs are often described as being creamier. The membrane between the turkey eggshell and egg is thicker, as is the eggshell itself, which requires a sharp blow to crack. Turkey eggshells can be white, cream-colored, brown, or speckled.
One aspect that differentiates these eggs is the nutritional breakdown. A turkey egg provides almost double the calories, protein, and fat as a chicken egg, partly due to its larger size.
Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs!
FAQ
Are turkey eggs better than chicken eggs?
Why don’t we commonly eat turkey eggs?
Why are turkey eggs not sold?