Now, About Duck Eggs…

Sometimes I wonder why I bother with ducks.  Usually, this happens in mid-summer while I am trudging through tall, scratchy weeds searching for the last illusive egg that will fill an order.  Then the duck parade comes marching by or I am surprised by a hidden nest that contains a full dozen.  And I remember:  the ducks do earn their keep.

Our free-range ducks are in charge of garden/pasture clean-up.  They aerate and fertilize the soil while snacking on their favorite foods which include ticks, mosquitoes, fly larvae, and leafy weeds.  And yes, the ladies of their herd lay delicious eggs.

Who wants to eat duck eggs, though?

As it turns out, many people do and for good reasons.  A difference in their protein structure means that folks who are allergic to chicken eggs can often eat duck eggs.  Just imagine–eggs are back on their menu.

Avid bakers treasure them because batters are richer; cakes and cookies have more loft.  Duck eggs also make delicious pasta.

Now that we have been eating them for several years, I can honestly say that neither David nor I can taste the difference between chicken and duck eggs.  I will say that due to their size and higher protein, a duck egg in the morning will satisfy your hunger far longer than a chicken egg.

Interested in more detailed information?  Check out this duck/chicken egg comparison published by Mother Earth News a few years ago:  https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/the-proscons-of-eating-duck-eggs-vs-chicken-eggs-zbcz1705

Here are a few tips I have learned about cooking with duck eggs:

• A duck egg is roughly the same size as 1 1/2 chicken eggs.  When substituting in a recipe that calls for 2 eggs for example, I use 2 smaller duck eggs or 1 large duck egg.
• Duck eggs don’t have as much moisture which can result in a drier batter, so I just adjust my liquids.
• Duck eggs are excellent as is when scrambled.  For fried eggs, try adding a bit of water and a lid to your pan to allow for steaming.
• Duck eggs can be boiled.   For soft-boiled eggs, allow 7-9 minutes; medium would be 10-12 minutes; hard-boiled should be 12-15 minutes.
• Because their shell is so much thicker, duck eggs will remain fresh longer than chicken eggs–up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

As with our chicken eggs, Love Led Farm duck eggs are in hot demand.  The best way to acquire yours is to order ahead.  A text, an e-mail, or messaging works best.  I will be happy to supply your duck egg needs.

Now that we’ve spent 2 weeks talking about chicken and duck eggs, are you ready for a new adventure?  Next week, let’s talk about goose eggs.  See you then, on Love Led Farm.