Ostriches lay the biggest eggs in the world.
Ostriches have not only become a delicacy in recent years, but their meat has proved to be significantly lower in fat compared to chicken and other meats, and is regarded as a healthy eating option. While ostrich steaks and other meat products are widely available, ostrich eggs are not yet of commercial value. They can be compared to chicken eggs in various categories. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Habitat
Ostriches are native to Africa and even though they are increasingly bred for their meat outside their native continent, they are not regarded as common domesticated animals, and their eggs are not a produce native to countries outside Africa. Chicken are domesticated animals that are found all over the world. They can be kept and bred in urban backyards, or, less popular, in cages, while ostriches need large open spaces of between 1 to 3 acres to be able to lay eggs.
Availability
Ostriches lay between 40 and 70 eggs annually, while a chicken might produce between 200 and 350 eggs, depending on breed. Chicken eggs can be bought in all supermarkets while ostrich eggs have to be ordered from specialist retailers of exotic food, or purchased directly from ostrich farms. In 2011, one grade A chicken egg cost approximately $0.17. A single ostrich egg in 2011 cost between $30 and $60, depending on size and supplier.
Size
The most obvious differences between a chicken egg and an ostrich egg are the size and weight. Ostrich eggs are the largest bird eggs in the world and weigh generally 3.3 pounds. They have an approximate length of 7 inches and a width of 5.5 inches. A large chicken egg weighs approximately 2 ounces, is circa 2.5 inches long, and 2 inches wide.
Nutritional Value
Chicken and ostrich eggs are similar in taste, but the birds have different feeding habits and produce eggs with different nutritional values. Based on a sample 6.8 fl oz of each, chicken and ostrich eggs have similar values in protein, fat and calcium. Chicken eggs are richer in vitamins A and E, while ostrich eggs produce higher values in folic acid. Ostrich eggs have a high iron content, but chicken eggs score more in zinc and copper.
Uses
Chicken eggs are the basic ingredient in most baking and many cooking recipes. In comparison, ostrich recipes are rare and usually restricted to omelets for the extended family, or industrial production of meringues and egg toddy. However, the large surface of the ostrich egg and the substantial structure of the shell has inspired artists to use it as an object for decoration. Ostrich eggs can be found with elaborate carvings or colorful paintings and are for sale all year round from specialist art dealers. Chicken eggs are generally decorated once a year just before Easter, and their brittle shell does not allow for carvings.
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