Turkey eggs are an underappreciated delicacy that more people should try. With their rich, creamy taste and extra nutrition, these big beautiful eggs can be a tasty addition to any morning routine or baking recipe. But you may be wondering, what exactly do turkey eggs taste like? And are they really better than chicken eggs?
An Overview of Turkey Eggs
While chicken eggs are a breakfast staple, turkey eggs are less common. Turkeys only lay eggs seasonally, unlike chickens that produce eggs year-round. Plus, turkeys lay fewer eggs, around 100 per year compared to 300 for chickens This makes turkey eggs rare and expensive
However, those lucky enough to source turkey eggs rave about their taste and culinary versatility Many describe them as having a richer, more velvety texture similar to duck eggs The yolk is also thicker than chicken eggs.
Nutritionally, turkey eggs provide more calories, protein, vitamins and minerals than chicken eggs due to their larger size. One turkey egg has about 135 calories, 13 grams of protein and 11 grams of fat. They are packed with vitamin B12, A, D, iron and calcium.
So turkey eggs win on nutrition, but how do they compare for taste?
The Unique Flavor of Turkey Eggs
Most people who have tried turkey eggs say they taste remarkably similar to chicken eggs. The main difference is turkey eggs have a deeper, more complex flavor.
When cooked, turkey eggs are described as having distinctive tasting notes reminiscent of both chicken and quail eggs. The yolk imparts a richer, more indulgent, custard-like creaminess.
Some detect a slight gamey essence, like what you may find in duck eggs. But overall, turkey eggs primarily have a wholesome egg flavor with some added depth and dimension.
The whites are reported to be tender and lightly sweet complementing the lush yolk. In terms of texture, turkey eggs are a bit denser than chicken but not as much as duck eggs.
Cooking with Turkey Eggs
Turkey eggs can be used just like chicken eggs in any breakfast, baking or cooking application. Here are some tips for working with them:
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Breakfast – Turkey eggs are delicious scrambled, fried, poached or in omelets. Allow slightly longer cooking time due to their larger size.
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Baking – Replace chicken eggs 1:1 with turkey eggs in recipes. You may need to adjust other liquid ingredients since turkey eggs provide more volume. Enjoy the richer taste in cakes, cookies, muffins and more.
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Savory dishes – Add turkey eggs to quiches, frittatas, pancakes and other brunch favorites. Or use them to make deviled eggs or egg salad.
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Substituting egg whites/yolks – When separating turkey eggs, be aware the whites and yolks are much bigger than chicken eggs. Adjust recipes accordingly.
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Cooking techniques – Turkey eggs can be boiled, poached, fried, scrambled or baked with excellent results. Cook gently using medium-low heat to prevent overcooking.
With their stellar nutrition and deep, velvety taste, turkey eggs deserve more recognition. Seek them out from local farms or consider raising your own turkeys. Once you try turkey eggs, you may find it hard to go back to chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Eggs
Where can you buy turkey eggs?
Turkey eggs are not sold commercially, so you’ll need to source them locally. Check with small farms, homesteaders or specialty grocers in your area. You can also order them online through heritage turkey breeders.
How much do turkey eggs cost?
Due to small-scale production, turkey eggs are pricey, from $2-$5 per egg. Compare that to about $0.25 for commercial chicken eggs. The high price limits turkey egg demand.
Do turkeys lay as many eggs as chickens?
Turkeys only lay about 100-120 eggs per year compared to 300+ eggs for chickens. Turkeys also don’t produce year-round. Their laying season is spring into early summer.
Are turkey eggs nutritious?
Turkey eggs are very nutritious, even more than chicken eggs. One large turkey egg contains about 135 calories, 13 grams of protein, 11 grams of fat along with substantial vitamins and minerals.
Can you eat turkey eggs raw?
Technically turkey eggs can be eaten raw, but this is not recommended. All poultry eggs should be cooked thoroughly to prevent risk of salmonella poisoning. Enjoy turkey eggs cooked instead.
Can you substitute turkey eggs in recipes?
Turkey eggs can replace chicken eggs in any recipe 1:1. However, you may need to adjust liquid amounts since turkey eggs are so much bigger. Also allow slightly longer cooking times.
Do turkey eggs taste fishy?
Some people detect a slight gamey or fishy flavor in turkey eggs, similar to duck eggs. But most agree turkey eggs taste predominantly like chicken eggs with some added richness.
Are turkey eggs good for you?
Yes, turkey eggs are highly nutritious. They contain more protein, healthy fats and micronutrients than chicken eggs. The thicker yolks are also rich in choline, an important nutrient for brain health.
The Bottom Line
For those lucky enough to try them, turkey eggs offer a tasty adventure for the palate. Their rich, creamy flavor and astronomical nutrition content make them a luxurious alternative to everyday chicken eggs.
While turkey eggs may never hit the mass market like chicken eggs, they are worth seeking out. Keep an eye out at your local farmer’s market or specialty store. Or consider raising backyard turkeys for a steady supply.
Once discovered, these jewel-colored jumbos have won over even the most loyal chicken egg aficionados. So take a crack at turkey eggs – your tastebuds will thank you!
Turkey Egg Nutrition
A single turkey egg contains 135 calories (compared with about 72 for a chicken egg), about 11 grams of protein (vs. 6 grams), and 9 grams of fat (vs. 5 grams). Notably, a turkey egg contains more than twice as much cholesterol (933 milligrams vs. 372 milligrams) as a chicken egg.
Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs?
When you take the higher cost of production plus the longer time required and combine it with the relative scarcity of the eggs, what you end up with are turkey eggs that cost around $2 to $3 per egg, or up to $36 per dozen. Since there is virtually no market for $3 eggs, farmers opt to raise their turkeys for meat rather than eggs and use their hens eggs for producing more turkeys rather than for consumption.
A single turkey egg contains as much cholesterol as 34 strips of bacon or four sticks of butter. However, that neednt deter you. Research has found that cholesterol from eggs doesnt increase risk for cardiovascular disease.