How to tell real desi eggs from farm eggs

Desi eggs cost more than farm eggs, so it is no surprise that many eggs sold as desi are not. A common trick is to colour white or light farm eggs with tea or dye so they look brown. Here are a few simple ways to check what you are buying.

1. Look at the size and the mix

Desi hens are smaller than commercial layer hens, so their eggs are usually smaller too. A real dozen of desi eggs is rarely perfectly even. You will see a mix of sizes and shades, from light cream to deep brown. A tray where every egg is the same size and the same brown is a warning sign.

2. Try the wet-cloth test

Dip a clean white cloth or tissue in a little water or vinegar and rub the shell gently. If brown colour comes off on the cloth, the egg has been dyed. A natural shell keeps its colour.

3. Check the yolk

Hens that move around outdoors and eat a natural diet usually lay eggs with a deeper yellow to orange yolk and a firm white that stands up in the pan. Pale, flat yolks are more typical of commercial farm eggs.

4. Ask where the eggs come from

The simplest check is to ask the seller where the eggs come from. Someone with their own hens can tell you about their farm. If the answer is vague, think twice.

Where Red Farms eggs come from

Every Red Farms desi egg is laid by desi hens on our own farm near Chakwal. Our hens roam outdoors on natural feed, with no antibiotics or hormones. We sell them by the dozen in a labelled Red Farms carton, and they are halal certified like all our products.

Fresh eggs are delivered in Islamabad and Rawalpindi only. See our desi eggs.

Order from Red Farms: we deliver across Islamabad and Rawalpindi from 9 am to 9 pm, usually within an hour. Call or WhatsApp 0334-6691336, or shop online.