"Pick the egg yolk you think came from a healthy chicken..."
That’s the question this viral image dares us to answer. At first glance, it seems simple—three yolks, each a different shade of yellow or orange. But behind this colorful photo lies a deeper conversation about nutrition, farming practices, and the health of the food we eat.
Let’s crack it open.
🥚 The Color of the Yolk: What Does It Mean?
The yolk’s color can tell you a lot about a chicken’s diet and living conditions. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about breed—it’s about what the hen eats and how it lives.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Yolk #1: Deep, rich orange – typically a sign of a free-range or pasture-raised chicken with a nutrient-rich diet, including grasses, seeds, and insects.
Yolk #2: Pale yellow – often seen in eggs from chickens raised in industrial environments, fed commercial feed and confined indoors.
Yolk #3: Bright golden-yellow – a middle ground, suggesting a more balanced diet but possibly limited outdoor exposure.
🐓 Why the Deep Orange Yolk Stands Out
Many experts agree that the deeper orange yolk (like Yolk #1) most likely came from the healthiest chicken. This isn’t just about looks—it’s about the nutrition behind the color.
Hens that roam freely and eat naturally are exposed to: