Cracking the Code: An Egg Glossary The USDA recommends we buy
eggs that are stored in a refrigerated case and have no cracks
in their shells. This glossary explains terms used to describe
eggs—or the process by which the eggs are produced. Eggs from
pasture-raised chickens are found to contain more omega-3s and
vitamin E than those from caged chickens, but labeling
regulations are often voluntary and fairly vague. The best bet?
Buy fresh. Buy local. Cage-free: Chickens are not kept in cages.
They may or may not be allowed outside. Fortified or vitamin-
enriched: Chicken feed is supplemented with vitamins or flaxseed
to increase the eggs' nutritional profile. Flaxseed boosts the
eggs' omega-3 (good fat) content. Free-range: Chickens are given
access to the outdoors. But that access can be limited and
doesn't guarantee the outdoor area is green pasture. Some
industrial farms might provide only one small door for thousands
of chickens to use. Organic: To earn the official organic label,
USDA guidelines must be fo