Duck eggs have been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries but haven’t gained notoriety in the West until the last 20 years. While chicken eggs are a staple in the Western diet, could duck eggs be the better option?
So, what’s the difference between them? And why would you want to eat one over the other? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about chicken and duck eggs.
Appearance:
The most basic and noticeable difference between chicken and duck eggs is their size. Chicken eggs are typically smaller than duck eggs. While duck are can sometimes be 50-100% larger than a regular-sized chicken egg. When it comes to shell color, chicken eggs can be white or brown, while duck eggs tend to have a darker coloring. Depending on the duck breed, duck eggs can also come in shades of green, pale grey, blue, and black.
Nutrition:
When it comes to eggs, both chicken eggs and duck eggs offer a great source of protein. One large chicken egg has around 6 grams of protein, while one large duck egg has about 9 grams of protein. Duck eggs also have a higher fat content than chicken eggs. So if you’re looking for a more significant dose of healthy fats, duck eggs are the way to go. As for cholesterol, one large chicken egg has 186 mg of cholesterol, while one large duck egg has 211 mg of cholesterol.
Although both kinds of eggs are nutritious, duck eggs have an even higher nutritional value than chicken eggs. Duck eggs have more calories than chicken eggs. A large duck egg has about 223 calories, while a large chicken egg only has about 149 calories. Additionally, duck eggs contain 168% of the DV for vitamin B12, which your body needs to create red blood cells.
Taste:
Some say that duck eggs taste richer than chicken eggs, which is likely due to the higher fat content in duck eggs. Duck eggs also have a slightly different texture than chicken eggs. They tend to be creamier and have a thicker consistency. For many, duck egg taste is more intense than chicken egg taste.
Is Baking with Duck Eggs Different than Chicken Eggs?
You can use duck eggs in any recipe that calls for chicken eggs. But because of their larger size and higher fat content, you may want to adjust the ratio of eggs to other ingredients. For example, if a recipe calls for two chicken eggs, you may only need one duck egg.
Some avid bakers even claim that duck eggs make for moister pastries and cakes, likely due to the higher fat content. But duck eggs can also make baked goods denser. So if you’re looking for a light and airy cake, you may want to stick with chicken eggs.
So, which type of egg is better?
Ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for an egg with more nutrients, you may want to opt for a duck egg. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about calories or fat, a chicken egg would be the better choice. No matter which type of egg you choose, you’ll get delicious and nutritious food that can be used in various recipes.