Don't Judge An Egg By Its Shell

At first glance, a wrinkled egg might seem ‘defective’. With its uneven surface, ridges, and sometimes bumpy texture, it definitely stands out from the smooth, store-perfect eggs that we are used to seeing. You might wonder: Is it safe to eat? Should I toss it?

As it turns out, eggs with wrinkly shells are usually just as nutritious, safe, and delicious as any other egg. Let’s take a closer look at what causes these imperfections and why appearance doesn’t always reflect what’s inside.

Eggshell wrinkles typically form during the shell formation process in the hen’s reproductive system. Taking into considering where our farm is located, one very possible reason is stress: airplanes flying close to our farm produce loud noises that can startle hens, causing wrinkly eggs. Even thunder during storms can startle hens and affect their laying patterns! Of course, there are other causes for wrinkly eggs, including the age of the hens, egg retention in the shell gland, and calcium imbalance.

It is important to note though that despite their odd appearance, wrinkly eggs are usually

completely normal inside!

Are Wrinkled Eggs Safe to Eat?

Yes! As long as the egg is not cracked or leaking, the shell is firm (even if oddly shaped!), and it smells normal when opened.

If in doubt, you can always do the float test by placing the egg in a glass of water. Fresh eggs sink and lie flat whereas old or spoiled eggs float.

Do Wrinkled Eggs Have the Same Nutritional Value?

Yes! In most cases, wrinkled eggs are just as nutrient-rich as smooth eggs! The outer appearance is only a shell-quality issue that does not affect the egg content inside!

A standard large egg (>55 grams) provides:

• 6–7 grams of high-quality protein

• About 60–70 calories

• Essential nutrients such as:

• Vitamin B12: known to support red blood cells and nerve function

• Vitamin D: known to support bone health and immune function

• Choline: crucial for brain health

• Selenium, Iron, and Riboflavin

The wrinkled shell doesn’t change these values. Once cracked open, the yolk and white

are typically indistinguishable from a smooth egg.

Beauty Is Not Only Shell-Deep

In today’s world of polished grocery displays and pristine packaging, we often judge food by how it looks. Wrinkly eggs might look odd, but they’re just as nutritious and versatile as their smooth-shelled counterparts. Much like people, it's what’s inside that counts—and in the case of eggs, that means protein, vitamins, and delicious potential.

So the next time you encounter an egg with a few ridges or folds, don’t toss it aside. If it passes the freshness checks, it’s a perfectly good, nutrient-rich egg ready to be scrambled, poached, or baked into your favourite recipe.

It’s what’s on the inside that really counts!