Eggs are considered a superfood, especially during winter, as they help keep the body warm and provide essential nutrients. Desi eggs, in particular, are priced higher than regular farm eggs due to their quality and nutritional value. However, driven by profit, some people manufacture fake eggs using synthetic and harmful substances. Recently, the Food Safety Department busted a fake egg-making unit in Moradabad, where materials like catechu, vermillion, tea leaves, and synthetic dyes were being used to color eggs. Fake eggs worth nearly ₹4.5 lakh were seized, and this operation had been running for a long time. Paying attention to a few small details can help you differentiate between real and fake desi eggs.

Check the texture of the shell
Desi eggs are usually smaller than regular farm eggs. When buying, inspect the shell’s color, shine, texture, and size. If the egg appears unusually large, overly shiny, or has an unnatural shell texture, it may have been artificially colored.

Smell the egg
A real egg has a neutral, mild smell. Fake eggs, on the other hand, may have a strange odor, sometimes resembling tea leaves or chemicals due to the artificial dyes used. If you detect any unusual smell, avoid purchasing that egg.

Simple tests to check at home
You can test the egg at home using easy methods. Place the egg in hot water and leave it for a few minutes. If the water changes color, it is likely a fake egg. Another way is to crack the egg open. A genuine desi egg has a thick, bright yellow yolk that is perfectly round and firm. Fake eggs often have a lighter, unevenly colored yolk and a watery consistency.

Using these simple checks, you can confidently distinguish between real and fake desi eggs and protect yourself from consuming synthetic and harmful products.