Get Egg-ucated: Cage-free, Pasture-raised and Organic Eggs

Eggs are one of nature’s most perfect foods. Loaded with healthy protein and naturally “prepackaged,” they can be prepared in dozens of delicious ways. At Lakewinds, all our eggs are cage-free, humanely raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free and sourced from as nearby as we can get them. (You can read more about our standards here.) Our commitment to these standards means you bring home the best eggs for whatever recipe you’re making—whether you’re baking a batch of cookies, whipping up a hollandaise sauce or boiling an egg for breakfast.

When you browse our egg selections, you’ll see a range of producers providing cage-free or pasture-raised and/or certified organic eggs. Here’s a quick guide to understanding these labels and selecting the best eggs for your needs:

Cage-Free Eggs

Cage-free hens are able to walk, spread their wings and lay their eggs in nests. Most cage-free hens live in very large flocks that can consist of many thousands of hens. The cage-free eggs you find at Lakewinds have been also certified humane, which is defined as, “Meets the Humane Farm Animal Care program standards, which includes nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones, animals raised with shelter, resting areas, sufficient space and the ability to engage in natural behaviors.”

Pasture-Raised Eggs

Pasture-raised means that the hens roam freely outdoors on a pasture or open land where they can forage for their natural diet, which includes seeds, green plants, insects, and worms. Look for Locally Laid eggs, Minnesota-based producers with a catchy name and excellent eggs.

Organic Eggs

Our pasture-raised producers Organic Valley and Larry Schultz Organic are also certified organic egg producers—which Organic Valley proudly explains, “You can rest assured that we never use antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs. Our hens are fed an organic diet and are free to roam outdoors (weather permitting), giving you nutritious, great-tasting eggs.”

Other Eggs

In addition, Lakewinds carries Comfort Community eggs that are never fed soy, important for people who have soy allergies. We also offer duck eggs, which are larger than chicken eggs, richer and higher in good fats and vitamins. Quail eggs are small, typically used as a garnish or as a specialty item, for example on steak tartare or a brioche for brunch.

When you buy eggs from a co-op, it’s reassuring to know that staff personally know the local farmers and many times have visited their farms. You can feel assured knowing that the chickens, ducks and quails are humanely treated, and your eggs will taste delicious!

Spring is a great time to cook with eggs! They compliment many of the seasonal foods, including asparagus and spinach, and cook up fast for a quick and easy supper idea. Pick up a dozen eggs and a bundle of asparagus and try this frittata recipe.

See Lakewinds’ Jill Holter talk about more about “Eggucation.”