The Exceptional (Pastured) Egg

Eggs are an incredibly nutritious food. They are the most well-rounded source of protein in our diets and are high in Omega-3 fatty acids – essential for brain health, immunity, and more. Many holistic doctors recommend eating two of these nutritional powerhouses every day.

Not all eggs are created equal. Visually, there is a very noticeable difference between an average grade A grocery store egg and a farm fresh pastured egg. The grocery store egg has a thin white or brown shell and membrane, a watery white, and a light yellow yolk. In comparison, the pastured egg has a thicker shell that can come in a variety of colors and speckles. Upon cracking it open, you will find a dense dark yellowy-orange yolk surrounded by a thick white. These are all the ingredients needed to make a healthy young chick - as well as a healthy meal for you!

Mother Nature Network did the research to see how these two varieties of eggs compare nutritionally, and found that pastured eggs contain:

• 1/3 less cholesterol
• 1/4 less saturated fat
• 2/3 more vitamin A
• 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
• 3 times more vitamin E
• 7 times more beta carotene

(Via Mother Earth News)

Than commercial eggs found in the grocery store.

So what makes pastured eggs more nutritious? The way in which the chickens are raised, fed, and treated. Unlike a conventionally raised chicken - kept confined in a large factory farmhouse (with little light, ventilation, and room to move around) a pastured chicken is allowed to roam free in the pasture and even the woods! They eat what comes natural to them – grass, worms, and bugs, and are supplemented with a diet of organic feed when winter comes. These chickens are raised on small family farms and are treated humanely. They are not injected with antibiotics or hormones because they are healthy and fully capable of producing eggs without them.

At Harvest Michigan, we distribute organic, pastured eggs from Michigan farms. These valuable nutritional powerhouses are available at anytime through the Michigan Buying Club.

Available Online Here:

Michigan Pastured Large Eggs

Michigan Pastured Jumbo Eggs

Michigan Buying Club Membership 

Cleaning and Cooking Your Mushrooms

Cleaning Mushrooms:

A little dirt doesn’t hurt, but it’s a good practice to clean your mushrooms. 

All you need is a cloth or a soft brush. Moisten it only slightly – making your mushrooms too wet will alter the texture.

Wipe off the caps and stems of your mushrooms to remove any debris, then knock off dirt (if any) that is in the gills or crevices.

Let your mushrooms dry for 30 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Mushrooms:

There are many methods of mushrooms preparation – the most common of which is sauté. Sautéed mushrooms may be added to a variety of recipes or served on their own.

To make a simple sauté, start with an olive oil & butter combination (1Tbsp per 4 oz. of mushrooms). Crushed garlic and/or sliced onions may be added to the sauté for added flavor and should be cooked 4-5 minutes before mushrooms are added. 

Do not stir mushrooms often, stirring will release moisture and cause them to steam instead of caramelizing. It is best to cook cap side down.

Cook Times:

• Oyster Mushrooms: 4-5 minutes
• Shiitake Mushrooms: 7-8 minutes
• Cinnamon Caps: 7-8 minutes