By TIM FORSTER
The Myth Regarding Bright Orange Egg Yolks
Some people say that deeper orange yolks are unsafe, while others say they’re higher quality. The truth is, there’s no nutritional difference between orange and yellow yolks.
Differences in yolk color can be based on the chickens’ diets. If they eat wheat, the yolks will be pale yellow, but if they eat soy or corn, they will be darker yellow and orange.
Lighter yolks come from chickens that don’t eat food or grass with carotenoids, a pigment that makes deeper yellow or orange yolks. The more a chicken eats, the darker the yolk.
Carotenoids are antioxidants that are regarded as good for human health. They can be found in orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.
Orange yolks may indicate that a hen has been raised free-range with access to carotenoid-rich food, but you can never be sure unless you visit the farm and check the packaging.
It has been suggested that yolks may change color over time, but that is false. Eggs from older hens can be lighter, but there are no differences in nutritional content or safety.