While posting about Corned Beef Hash I was thinking about the lovely eggs I was using.
This to me is what Free Range Eggs are all about. I buy my eggs from this farm which is just beside me. They are fresh every day and the wee hens are as happy as can be. I hate the thought of them being crowded into cages to feed the masses. I am very fortunate to be in the position where I can buy them like this. Hottie and Violets from Violet's pantry have their own hens. How lucky they are.
We like to think Free Range Eggs that are purchased in the supermarkets are as pictured here but the reality is somwhat different
The Lion Quality Code - a high benchmark in food safety - stipulates outdoor shading and one pop-hole (exit hole) per 600 birds, open eight hours per day to allow access to the outside. But are these daytime "runs" all they're cracked up to be? Especially when for up to 16 hours a day the hens can be housed in conditions practically identical to that outlined in the "barn" system - preferable to a "caged/battery" system, but still often resulting in up to nine birds perching in every square metre. Not much room to stretch your legs. Nearly worth a run to the country keeping your eyes open for signs saying Eggs For Sale. 
Lovely aren't they?
Those hens and beautiful, and just how I'd like to think of them =)
ReplyDeleteWell done Granny, love your blog and I've printed off the recipe for the corn beef hash.
ReplyDeleteSandy
xx
I buy my free range eggs from the supermarket as I thought they were the best I could get - I'm probably better off getting them at the farm I drive past daily to and from work!! I'll do that in future.
ReplyDeleteI have such plans for my future eggs. LOL But to date, have only had 7. But it is early days. Maybe more cuddles are needed!
ReplyDeleteHottie
Welcome to the world of blogging!
ReplyDeleteOff to have a read now :)
Well done!
pi xxx
My kind of food. Lovely write up on your local free range eggs too.
ReplyDeleteLove, Vicky xx
Great start to your blog. I will visit this often.
ReplyDeleteKaren`s Kitchen
There is nothing quite like a fresh free range egg, especially with soldiers smothered in butter mmm.
ReplyDeleteVi xx
I am just imaging you sitting up to the wee hours typing away. Its a great read, and put me in the mood for food. Can I request some when I'm next home.
ReplyDeleteKP
I so envy you having that on your back doorstep!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust what free-range should be Brenda. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have that lovely farm on your doorstep. I do buy oganic FR eggs from Sains as my contribution.
ReplyDeleteMy Mum has always wanted chickens and has even reserved her space in the garden for them. She turns 60 this year and the chickens are going to be her present from my Dad!
Clairex (Buntybear)
Growing up in the country we always had 20-30 chicken, and fresh eggs were on the menu all the time.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I never could eat my own chicken, they were like pets to me.
Thee eggs in your photo brought back great memories. That's real fresh cage-free eggs!
Great blog!
Boo Hoo. You know why Granny.
ReplyDeleteCan you post me some now please?
I would love to have my own chickens, but sadly my landlord has said that there is no chance they'll allow it.
ReplyDeleteThankfully we're able to buy eggs direct from a farm too. I live in a lovely village and the farm is just on the way I walk my little ones to school.
Fresh eggs and so wonderful.
Those are bootifull eggs!
ReplyDeletemagpie - Lovely to see you here. Thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDelete