Duck Eggs

Duck eggs are almost 50% larger than a large-sized hens egg. They have a large, golden, creamy yolk, and many people love them for their rich, extra-eggy flavor.

Their shells are also a treat for the eyes. Why? Compared with white or brown chicken eggshells, duck eggs come in a range of colors, including pale blue, blue-green, charcoal gray, and occasionally white. The color depends on the breed of the duck, though the shell color sometimes varies even within the same breed.

Duck eggs are a tasty treat thats worth trying if you find them. You can use them as you would use chicken eggs and enjoy their richer flavor and fattier texture.

Although both types of eggs are nutritious, duck eggs tend to contain even higher amounts of some nutrients than chicken eggs, including folate, iron, and vitamin B12. Duck eggs contain as much as 168% or more of the DV for vitamin B12.

Nutrition

Duck eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein. They supply all of the essential amino acids your body needs to build proteins. The egg yolk is rich in fat and cholesterol, as well as many vitamins and minerals. Duck eggs also contain nearly an entire days worth of vitamin B12, which is needed for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and healthy nerve function.

Theyre larger in size and a bit more nutritious than chicken eggs. They also provide antioxidants and important compounds that may benefit your eyes and brain.

Benefits for the Body

Duck eggs are beneficial for eye and brain health, and they may protect you from infections and age-related diseases. Duck egg yolks get their orange-yellow color from natural pigments called carotenoids. These are antioxidant compounds that may protect your cells and DNA from oxidative damage, which can lead to chronic and age-related diseases. The major carotenoids in egg yolks are carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein, which are linked to a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

The yolk is also rich in lecithin and choline. Choline is a vitamin-like nutrient thats essential for healthy cell membranes, as well as your brain, neurotransmitters, and nervous system. It is also an essential nutrient during pregnancy, as choline supports healthy fetal brain development.

Precautions and Concerns

Despite their potential health benefits, duck eggs may not be a good choice for everyone. It may cause allergies and even heart diseases.

Food safety and, in particular, the risk of foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis from Salmonella bacteria is often a concern with eggs. Salmonella infection outbreaks from eating duck eggs have occasionally been reported.

Also, infants, children, pregnant women, older adults, and anyone with a compromised immune system is at a higher risk of contracting Salmonella, so they should avoid undercooked eggs. No one should eat raw eggs.