3. The Yolk Is Bright and Stands Tall
A vibrant yolk is one of the most obvious indicators of superior quality:
Color: A deep orange or rich golden yellow usually means the hen had access to grass, bugs, and natural feed. Pale yellow yolks often come from chickens raised on grain-only diets.
Shape: A healthy yolk should be firm and rounded, not flat.
Texture: Yolk membranes from healthy hens are stronger, which keeps the yolk from breaking easily.
Fun fact: The color comes from carotenoids in the hen’s diet—so the more varied and natural the diet, the richer the yolk color.
4. Minimal or No Spots and Blood Specks
Small blood or protein spots inside an egg are not harmful, but excessive spotting can indicate stress or poor flock management. Healthy chickens with stable environments tend to produce eggs with clean, uniform appearance inside and out.
5. The Egg Smells Fresh
A fresh, healthy egg will have no strong odor when raw. Any sulfuric or rotten smell means the egg is old or contaminated.
If the hen is healthy and the egg is fresh, there should be no noticeable smell even after boiling.
6. The Egg Passes the Water Test
An easy at-home trick:
Place the egg in a bowl of water.
