As Thanksgiving approaches many of us look forward to eating turkey as part of the traditional holiday feast. But have you ever wondered where turkeys come from? Like all birds turkeys hatch from eggs. But what do turkey eggs look like?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at turkey eggs, how they differ from chicken eggs, and why we don’t see them in stores. Read on for a complete guide to the mysterious turkey egg!
Size and Shape
The most noticeable difference between chicken and turkey eggs is their size. On average, turkey eggs are about 2-2.7 inches long and weigh between 66-110 grams. This makes them around 50% larger than chicken eggs, which are typically 2 inches long and weigh around 50 grams.
Some heritage turkey breeds lay eggs approaching 3 inches long and 120 grams in weight – more than double the size of a chicken egg! So if you’re used to chicken eggs, a turkey egg can look gigantic in comparison.
In addition to their larger size turkey eggs tend to have a more tapered, pointier shape on one end. This helps the egg fit better into a nesting turkey’s body. The pointier shape is a telltale sign that an egg comes from a turkey rather than a chicken.
Shell Color and Markings
While chicken eggs generally have plain white shells turkey eggs exhibit a wider variety of shell colors and markings
- White
- Cream
- Light brown
- Dark brown
- Speckled
Speckled shells are especially common in turkey eggs, featuring more prominent speckling than chicken eggs. Wild turkeys tend to lay speckled eggs as camouflage from predators. Some domestic turkey breeds like the Black Spanish lay very dark chocolate-colored eggs.
Taste and Nutrition
When it comes to taste, turkey eggs are quite similar to chicken eggs. Some people detect a subtly richer, creamier flavor in turkey eggs, along with a larger yolk and slightly more gelatinous egg whites. But overall, they can be used as a substitute in recipes calling for chicken eggs.
Due to their greater size, turkey eggs pack more nutritional value than chicken eggs:
- Protein: Chicken 6g, Turkey 10g
- Riboflavin: Chicken 0.26mg, Turkey 0.4mg
- Folate: Chicken 22mcg, Turkey 34mcg
- Fat: Chicken 5g, Turkey 9.5g
- Calories: Chicken 72, Turkey 120
So you’d only need one turkey egg to get the nutrients of two chicken eggs. That makes them a powerhouse source of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Why They’re Less Common
With all their merits, why don’t we see turkey eggs in supermarkets? The reasons boil down to economics:
- Turkeys only lay 2-3 eggs per week, versus daily egg-laying by chickens.
- Turkeys start laying later, at 7 months old versus 4-5 months for chickens.
- Turkeys require more feed, space, and care compared to chickens.
- Turkey eggs are costlier to produce due to lower supply.
- There is less consumer demand for expensive turkey eggs.
For farmers, it’s simply not profitable to raise turkeys primarily for eggs compared to chickens. But seeking out turkey eggs can be an exciting gastronomic adventure for taste and nutrition!
In Summary
Turkey eggs are distinctly larger, more speckled, and pointier in shape than the chicken eggs we’re used to. They boast robust flavor and nutrients, but economic factors make them a rarity. As you sit down to your turkey dinner this Thanksgiving, keep in mind the fabulous egg it started from!
The Economics of Turkey Eggs
Unless you know someone who raises their own turkeys, turkey eggs are extremely difficult to find. The reason for that comes down to economics, which in turn is a function of the turkeys fertility cycle. For starters, turkeys lay up to 100 eggs per year, compared to up to 350 chicken eggs laid per year for top egg-laying chickens.
Moreover, turkeys are bigger and require more space and more food, which means its more expensive to raise turkeys. Turkeys also take longer to start laying eggs, beginning at around 28 weeks of age as opposed to around 20 weeks for chickens. To put that in context, a turkey is ready for slaughter at 14 to 18 weeks, meaning it requires and additional 10 to 14 weeks of feeding before it ever lays a single egg. When the turkey does finally start laying, its at a rate of up to about two eggs per week, compared to almost one chicken egg a day for top egg-laying chickens.
Turkey Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs
Turkey and chicken eggs share some similarities but are also very different from each other. Turkey eggs are quite a bit bigger than chicken eggs—more than 50 percent larger. Whereas a chicken egg weighs about 50 grams, a turkey egg can range from about 65 to 115 grams but is typically similar in size to the size of duck eggs.
When it comes to taste, its generally agreed that these two types of eggs taste about the same, although turkey eggs are often described as being creamier. The membrane between the turkey eggshell and egg is thicker, as is the eggshell itself, which requires a sharp blow to crack. Turkey eggshells can be white, cream-colored, brown, or speckled.
One aspect that differentiates these eggs is the nutritional breakdown. A turkey egg provides almost double the calories, protein, and fat as a chicken egg, partly due to its larger size.
Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs!
FAQ
How do you identify a turkey egg?
| Clutch Size: | 4-17 eggs |
|---|---|
| Egg Width: | 1.6-1.9 in (4.1-4.7 cm) |
| Incubation Period: | 25-31 days |
| Nestling Period: | 1 day |
| Egg Description: | Pale yellowish tan, evenly marked with reddish brown or pinkish spots. |
What time of year do turkeys lay eggs?
Eggs laid within a few days after breeding do better than those laid with stored sperm. Most hens are laying at the end of March through early April.
Why are turkey eggs not sold in stores?
Well, apparently it has nothing to do with their taste. In fact, they’re quite edible. However, according to Modern Farmer, the reason we don’t see turkey eggs being sold in grocery stores is because it’s just not economically worth it.