Eggs have become a staple in our diets, and it’s hard to imagine a day without them. There are two main types of eggs: brown and white. Some people claim that brown eggs are better for you than white eggs, but is there really a difference in health benefits and taste?
In terms of nutritional value, there is no significant difference between brown and white eggs. According to Dr. Hong Eui-chul from the National Institute of Animal Science, “The nutritional content of eggs is determined by the feed given to the chickens. Different breeds of chickens do not have a significant difference in the feed they are given, so there is no major difference in the nutritional content of the eggs.” The color of the eggshell is determined by whether the mother hen is white or brown, and it does not affect the nutritional value of the egg.
However, there is a slight difference in taste. If you dislike the bitter taste of eggs, it is recommended to try white eggs as they contain less trimethylamine, the compound that causes the bitter taste in eggs, than brown eggs. Dr. Hong Eui-chul explains that “Chickens that lay brown eggs cannot metabolize choline in the feed, such as corn, which is then converted into trimethylamine by microorganisms in the intestines. This compound accumulates in the egg, causing it to have a bitter taste.” However, Dr. Hong notes that “Most people cannot discern the difference in taste between brown and white eggs, as it is only a slight difference that only sensitive people can detect.”
Although white eggs and brown eggs have similar nutritional and taste qualities, brown eggs have become more popular in Korea due to consumer preferences. In the past, white eggs were the more common option, but consumer tastes have shifted towards brown eggs in recent years. However, the color of the egg is not a significant factor in cooking; chefs generally determine egg quality based on the consistency of the egg whites and yolks rather than the color of the eggshell.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between brown and white eggs, there is no major difference in nutritional value, and the taste difference is only slight. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.