Organic, Pastured, Heirloom Chicken Eggs
We love chickens! Karen's father, and grandmother, raised chickens for eggs which they sold to local creameries and hatcheries in rural Iowa back in the 40's through the 60's. Chickens raised for meat were home-butchered on the farm as "fryers", "broilers", "roasters", and "stew hens". Chicken chores were part of the experience growing up on the farm.
At Sweetland, we're heading back to the old days again. We've abandoned our highly-prolific egg-laying machine, hybrid chickens for the hardier, longer-lasting, heritage breeds. They're much prettier to look at (more colorful feather patterns than colors of the rainbow), more interesting to watch (their natural instincts are more keen), and we think their eggs and meat have much more flavor and texture.
At Sweetland, we're heading back to the old days again. We've abandoned our highly-prolific egg-laying machine, hybrid chickens for the hardier, longer-lasting, heritage breeds. They're much prettier to look at (more colorful feather patterns than colors of the rainbow), more interesting to watch (their natural instincts are more keen), and we think their eggs and meat have much more flavor and texture.
A Good Egg.
These eggs are not only beautiful, they are a pleasure to eat.
But if you look at an egg more carefully, there's more than meets the eye.
Each hen has her own, distinct color pattern and shape to her egg. Just like a thumbprint. There are no two alike. If you look closely at the egg, you can see all the little pores in the shell, and unique color shading.
We carefully gather our hens' eggs from straw-lined nest-boxes. Clean eggs from the nest, and coaxing eggs from hens throughout the year (even when it's hot or cold outside), takes skill that is learned and practiced. According to records, Laura Ingalls Wilder was admired by neighbors in her rural community for her knack to get her hens to lay well during the winter months. This is what we take pride in! Good egg management begins at the time our young pullets begin laying eggs, and throughout the season.
Clean, nest-laid eggs are premium eggs!! They have their natural "bloom" left on their shell, which protects them and keeps them fresh longer. Yet, egg shells are also porous, so it's vital that eggs are not kept near "odors" that can transfer undesirable traits to the eggs.
But if you look at an egg more carefully, there's more than meets the eye.
Each hen has her own, distinct color pattern and shape to her egg. Just like a thumbprint. There are no two alike. If you look closely at the egg, you can see all the little pores in the shell, and unique color shading.
We carefully gather our hens' eggs from straw-lined nest-boxes. Clean eggs from the nest, and coaxing eggs from hens throughout the year (even when it's hot or cold outside), takes skill that is learned and practiced. According to records, Laura Ingalls Wilder was admired by neighbors in her rural community for her knack to get her hens to lay well during the winter months. This is what we take pride in! Good egg management begins at the time our young pullets begin laying eggs, and throughout the season.
Clean, nest-laid eggs are premium eggs!! They have their natural "bloom" left on their shell, which protects them and keeps them fresh longer. Yet, egg shells are also porous, so it's vital that eggs are not kept near "odors" that can transfer undesirable traits to the eggs.
Gourmet Breakfast...a soft boiled free ranged egg from Sweetland Farm
You don't have to be a gourmet chef to see and taste the difference in these eggs! Here's what some of our customers say when we get our eggs in their hands .....
"I just wanted to tell you how happy we are to have your eggs back in our fridge. They are so beautiful and delicious! Thank you for taking such wonderful care of your hens so that they make the most delicious eggs we have ever been lucky enough to enjoy". ----- Michele J., St. Paul, MN
"I just wanted to tell you how happy we are to have your eggs back in our fridge. They are so beautiful and delicious! Thank you for taking such wonderful care of your hens so that they make the most delicious eggs we have ever been lucky enough to enjoy". ----- Michele J., St. Paul, MN
