10/17/2026
While the chickens are molting, the ducks are still giving us eggs!
Here’s a few facts about duck eggs!
• Duck eggs are larger, richer, and more nutrient-dense than standard chicken eggs, making them a popular choice for baking and
• Size: Duck eggs are roughly 30% to 50% larger and heavier (averaging about 2.5 to 3 ounces) than a large or jumbo chicken egg.
• Shells: They feature a much thicker, harder shell, which helps them stay fresh longer and increases durability. Shell colors vary by breed and can be white, cream, gray, charcoal, or pale blue-green.
• Yolk-to-White Ratio: The yolk makes up about 34% of the egg, which is a larger and richer yolk than you find in a chicken egg. The whites are also firmer and thicker.
Flavor and Culinary Uses
• Taste: They have a bolder, richer, and slightly "eggier" flavor than chicken eggs due to their higher fat content.
• Baking: Chefs and bakers love duck eggs because the higher fat and protein content produces fluffier cakes, higher meringues, richer custards, and velvety crumbing.
• Cooking Warning: Because they have a high protein-to-water ratio in the whites, duck eggs can easily turn rubbery if they are overcooked (such as being fried too hard).
Nutritional Profile
• Calories and Macros: A single duck egg typically contains around 130 calories, about 9 to 9.5 grams of protein, and roughly 9 to 19 grams of fat (depending on exact sizing).
• Vitamins and Minerals: They are packed with higher concentrations of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, iron, selenium, and Omega-3 fatty acids compared to chicken eggs.
• Cholesterol: They contain more cholesterol than chicken eggs, roughly equivalent to a full day's recommended allowance per egg.
Allergies and Handling
• Allergies: Some people with mild chicken-egg allergies can tolerate duck eggs because they contain a slightly different protein profile, though severe allergic reactions are still possible.
• Cleanliness: Duck eggs are notoriously prone to gathering dirt and mud in the coop, so they require thorough washing or sanitizing before storage.
• Shelf Life: Thanks to their thick protective shell, they maintain freshness in the refrigerator longer than chicken eggs—often up to 6 weeks or more properly stored.
