The Boston Traveler

The latest interesting discussion I’ve encountered on the Web takes place at Blue Mass Group, and I stumbled across it via Universal Hub.

Writer Wayne wondered why brown eggs are more expensive than white eggs in Massachusetts when the brown variety available in supermarkets is supposed to be local. He points out that since gas costs so much these days, you’d think local brown eggs would be less expensive than non-local white eggs because they don’t have to be shipped here from out of state. You’d also be thinking wrong, as area residents know well — brown eggs are generally more expensive in our stores, just like everywhere else.

One of the first people who responded to Wayne pointed out a few facts found on the website for the American Egg Board. After noting that the color of an egg isn’t related to its quality, the site clarifies how eggs become brown or white: “Breeds with white feathers and ear lobes lay white eggs; breeds with red feathers and ear lobes lay brown eggs.” Simple.

The site then adds that “[s]ince brown-egg layers are slightly larger birds and require more food, brown eggs are usually more expensive than white.” As a result, area residents don’t get a financial benefit just because there’s a large population of the types of hens that lay brown eggs — such as the Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire, and Plymouth Rock breeds — nearby; other factors exist, as well, and they apparently outweigh transportation costs.

Of course, there could be another explanation, as several people mention. Even so, the entire comment thread on the original post is incredibly informative, fascinating stuff, especially if you’re into eggs.

Coming across this topic couldn’t have happened at a more coincidental time either. Not too long ago, an acquaintance and I were talking about how white eggs were suddenly more expensive than brown eggs at the neighborhood supermarket; I noticed the change immediately because it was that odd.

The fluke lasted about three weeks, until the situation reversed back to normal and the price of both varieties increased, along with other staples, including milk and bread (the same has happened all across the United States). That New England has a large number of hens that lay brown eggs never crossed my mind, though, and it’s definitely an interesting regional fact to pass along.

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