Choosing Duck Eggs: White or Green Shell? Insider Tips from Sellers

Duck eggs are highly nutritious, packed with protein, healthy fats, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and various other essential nutrients. When buying duck eggs, many people wonder whether they should choose white-shelled or green-shelled eggs. Which shell color is actually better?

Why Are There Two Different Colors of Duck Eggs?

The primary reason for the difference in shell color is genetics. While diet and duck breed play a role, the eggshell color of poultry like chickens, geese, and ducks is largely determined by the species and breeding. For example, some breeds produce red, brown, or white eggs, while duck eggs are commonly green or white. These differences are purely natural and do not indicate a significant nutritional gap.

Regardless of whether the eggshell is green or white, duck eggs are rich in protein, lipids, calcium, iron, and other essential minerals. Both types are highly nutritious and provide health benefits when consumed regularly.

Comparing White and Green Duck Eggs

1. Shell Thickness

• White-shelled duck eggs: The shell is generally thinner than green-shelled eggs. While this may not be immediately obvious visually, you can feel the difference by gently handling or weighing the eggs. White-shelled eggs are slightly lighter and more fragile.

• Green-shelled duck eggs: These eggs typically have thicker shells. This makes them more durable, easier to transport, and better for storage. Choosing green-shelled eggs can be a healthier and more practical option for long-term use.

2. Nutritional Content
Studies have shown that green-shelled duck eggs contain about 4.23% more protein than white-shelled eggs. While their selenium and lysine content may be slightly lower, green-shelled eggs have higher levels of 15 other amino acids and zinc. These differences may seem minor, but over time, regularly eating green-shelled eggs can provide a slightly better nutritional profile.

3. Salted Duck Eggs
Compared to chicken eggs, duck eggs have a stronger, sometimes more pungent aroma, and their yolks are richer. Eating plain boiled duck eggs without seasoning can be overwhelming for some. Therefore, duck eggs are often consumed as balut (fertilized eggs) or salted eggs.

When making salted eggs, it’s recommended to choose green-shelled eggs. Their thicker shells reduce the risk of breakage and make storage easier, resulting in more uniform and flavorful eggs than white-shelled ones.

How to Properly Store Duck Eggs

Particularly in summer, duck eggs can spoil quickly if not stored correctly. Fresh duck eggs can generally be kept at room temperature for 7–10 days, though refrigeration can extend this to about one month. When storing eggs in the refrigerator, place the larger end up and avoid washing them beforehand, as washing can shorten their shelf life.

Salted duck eggs can last much longer. Commercially packaged salted eggs may last up to a year, while homemade salted eggs are best consumed within six months. Proper storage methods, including the environment and temperature, are critical for maintaining quality.

Tips for Choosing Fresh Duck Eggs

• Listen for sound: Hold the egg close to your ear and shake gently. If you hear no movement inside, the egg is fresh. Any sloshing sound may indicate the egg is old and should be avoided.

• Feel the texture: When selecting fertilized duck eggs (balut), feel the eggs. Fresh eggs often have a slightly rough texture and feel firm to the touch.

Final Advice

While both white and green duck eggs are nutritious, green-shelled eggs have slight advantages in protein content, shell thickness, and durability, making them ideal for cooking, boiling, and pickling. Regular consumption of duck eggs, in moderation, can contribute to a well-balanced diet, providing essential nutrients for overall health.