Celebratin’ Easter the “Eggciting” Way
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April 4th marks another Easter Day. Ideally, the holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after March 21 - the Spring Equinox, hence, a reason for the inconsistencies in the date of celebration.
Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, who Christians believe was raised back to life three days after He was buried. It also signals the end of Lent - a period of repentance preceding Easter. Traditionally, Lent involves a temporary abstention from certain foods and pleasures.
Significance of Eggs to Easter Celebration
Although eating egg is forbidden during Lent, it is still considered a religious symbol, especially in Easter. While eggs symbolize the resurrection of Christ - just like a chick hatches, Egg Rolling - a popular tradition in America - arguably symbolizes the rolling away of the stone sealing Christ’s tomb.
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll, initiated in 1878, is a fun time for children to roll their Easter eggs - and sometimes, themselves - in the South Lawn of the White House. Unfortunately, this event was canceled for 2021, due to the pandemic. Instead, the organizers have created a virtual egg hunt. Our resident Texas Mom Blogger, Fariya, also compiled a list of alternate events here.
Besides ham, bread, cheese, and vegetables, egg is also a major ingredient for Easter recipes. I can imagine egg lovers craving for some eggs after more than 40 days without one - only if you took part in the Lent though.
Benefits of Farm-Fresh Eggs Over Commercially-Produced Eggs
Thinking about how you’d source your Easter eggs? Why not give farm-fresh eggs a try? Farm-fresh eggs are sourced directly from a farm/ranch or from a farmer’s market. They are produced in a free-range livestock husbandry which enhances their quality. Packed with immense benefits, they offer value for money.
Farm-fresh eggs are highly nutritious. They have less cholesterol, less saturated fats, more omega-3 fatty acid, and are packed with vitamins A, D, and E. This high nutrient density is a result of hens’ exposure to pasture; where they feed on insects, leafy plants, and flowers. However, these ingredients are not available in the feeds of caged hens. A Penn State report in 2010 showed that a chicken’s diet that includes pasture foraging produces eggs with more vitamins and omega-3 fatty acid.
Farm hens enjoy adequate animal welfare. The free-range system allows hens to demonstrate their natural behavior. This is critical in egg production as hens are, simply, mentally and emotionally stable. Just like we enjoy a sunbath or a sauna, hens also enjoy their dust bath.
With Salmonella infection becoming a major concern for egg consumers, the free range system for farm-fresh egg production reduces the risk of contracting the disease. Unlike caged hens whose sedentary lifestyle might increase the chances of infestation, the free-range system provides an active lifestyle for hens thereby advancing the production of disease-free eggs.
Whether you’re planning to cook up an “eggtastic” recipe, or looking to use the ‘real deal’ for your egg hunt this year, be sure to visit one of these great locations!
At TexasRealFood we believe that Easter celebration shouldn’t only be fun, but also nutritious. Sourcing farm-fresh eggs might seem like a daunting task, especially for new buyers. Not to worry! For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of best places to buy your farm-fresh eggs in Austin this Easter season. Let’s go!
Best Places to Buy Farm-Fresh Eggs in Austin
Vital Farms
Headquartered in Austin, Vital Farms provides ‘pasture-raised’ eggs which come from hens who spend their days outside, in every season. Their hens enjoy at least 108 square feet of pasture each with plenty of fresh air and sunshine year round - now, that’s a good life! This lifestyle gives the girls the freedom to forage through rotated pastures, feasting on a natural buffet of grasses daily.
According to Jason Jones, Vital Farms President, “People are looking for something different when they shop for food, and they want to support causes with which they share ideals. That means animal welfare, being key to the environment and a sustainable model for farmers. We thought we could produce the best eggs by featuring the animals’ welfare instead of disregarding it.”
Besides whole eggs, they also produce hard boiled eggs and liquid whole eggs.
3601 S. Congress Ave, Ste C100, Austin, TX 78704 | (877) 455-3063
Dubbed Austin’s Regenerative Urban Farm, Boggy Creek farm currently operates a regenerative, no-till urban farm on a 5-acres farmland.
Currently run by Carol Ann Sayle and her daughter, Tracy, the farm produces farm-fresh eggs, which are sold at the farm’s stand on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 8am - 1pm.
To demonstrate the high quality of animal welfare adopted on the farm, Boggy Creek Farm has this to say: “Stressed hens lay fewer eggs! Please respect our chickens; they are our pets and produce eggs for our customers. While the money from the egg sales pays for their feeds, they pay us by producing poop which goes into our compost, thus, nourishing our soil, our plants, and YOU!”
The farm stand also provides a one-stop shop for buying other fresh food items, such as: carrots - for Easter bunny, parsley, celery, cabbage, etc.
N.B: The pandemic measures are still in place at the farm. Therefore, mask up and diligently adhere to guidelines. Also, plan to arrive at the farm stand early, as popular items (especially their fresh eggs) tend to sell out super fast.
3414 Lyons Rd, Austin, TX 78702 | (512) 926-4650
Blue Star Ranch
Established in 2008 by Mary Ann and Will Fordyce, Blue Star Ranch - also known as “The Original Eggspert,” sells chickens, farm-fresh eggs, and poultry supplies. They also provide “eggspert” advice for the raising and care of natural healthy cage-free chickens.
Like myself, if you’re sustainability-minded, Blue Star Ranch supports the Zero Waste program that reduces food waste towards ensuring food security. For your convenience, they offer pick up or delivery options for your order. With a keen attention to animal welfare through humane and quality treatment, the ranch raises healthy hens, who in turn, produce nutritious and quality eggs.
The ranch opens 7 days a week. However, pickup time is between 8am - 1pm.
5305 Hudson Bend Rd, Austin, TX 78734 | (281) 627-8009
Countryside Farm
Do you crave for other kinds of eggs besides chicken, then Countryside Farm is your plug. Born from Sebastien Bonneau’s desire for quality livestock products - from eggs, meats to sausages, Countryside Farm produces quality duck, goose, and guinea products - including their eggs. They raise all their birds in a free-range environment that is devoid of herbicide, pesticide, and antibiotic.
They can be located on weekends at Farmers Market around Austin: Downtown, Sunset Valley, and Cedar Park between 9am - 1pm.
376 Jones Rd, Cedar Creek, TX 78612 | (512) 363-2310
Where to find the best brunch in Austin, Texas? We have a list of the top spots!
