Egg-traordinary

I've been buying eggs from the local CSA and farmers markets for a while now. It took a little getting used to all the sizes and colors of fresh eggs, but that's not all. Periodically, when I crack one open I notice that the yolk is a deep orangey, yellow instead of the pale shade we've all grown accustomed to from the grocery store. Typically, I just throw it out. Eggs can carry bacteria and I'm not one to risk it.

Last weekend when I picked up my meat from Boutwell Farms, I added a dozen eggs to my order. On the top of the carton there was a sticker which explained that the more orange in the yolk the more grass the chicken has eaten, which translates into higher levels of beta carotene. Who knew? All those strange looking eggs I've been tossing out were actually better for me than the ones I left in the bowl.