If you missed part one of The Dreaded “C” Word…Cholesterol, check it out here.
In the news story I referred to, one of the doctors specifically mentioned eggs. That’s a topic that often is considered in relation to cholesterol. Many people avoid egg yolks because of the calorie content and the speculation that it holds most of the cholesterol.
I know that some may not agree with the information here, but again do your own research. These are from my best experiences, and I’m only hoping to lead more people to not only be positive about their lives but to be proactive about their health.
All about eggs
I have a slight love for them. I’ve scoured all around to find the absolute best eggs from local farmers. I learned about the best eggs from the book Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Enter Joel Salatin. I really have a dream to go visit his farm one day and eat at a local restaurant that only serves local food. I have visited a few places in the United States that serve local food, and I absolutely love it! We have a few places like this in Bel Air: Broom’s Bloom, Coffee Coffee–these are the 2 I know most. I heart Harford County farmers.
Eggs are often considered negatively in relation to cholesterol. Many people avoid egg yolks because of the calorie content and the speculation that it holds most of the cholesterol. I saw a nutritionist (who was a registered Dietician as well) for a while in the very beginning of my cholesterol journey. She even suggested that I do my own research about eggs to determine how I felt—she also suggested this about soy, but that’s another story. My research—I like eggs, I like the WHOLE egg, and I like to eat multiple eggs a number of times a day sometimes. BAM! And, my cholesterol is nice and pretty.
I found a local farm in Sabillasville, Maryland called Mary’s Delight Farm. It’s a really sweet place, absolutely one that will warm your heart. Rich Wetzel, the Farm Manager, has been working on the farm for a VERY long time. Rich says, “We try to give them [the chickens] plenty of fresh clean water, feed, and air. I also try to move them to a new area every few days. We don’t have any special breed or feed anything special, I like them to be able to eat something green everyday.” All of the people at Mary’s Delight were extremely hospitable. And, they even went out on a wet day and picked me some kale and dill. SCHAWEET!! Their eggs—seriously, the best I’ve ever had (I’m sorry local Bel Air farmers—Steve Rouse from Rousedale Farm is my very close second, and Prigel Family Creamery is right there with him). I don’t know what it was, but there was a substantial difference and I’ve been eating pastured eggs for a long time—many years! It’s the just amazing color of the yolk when you crack the egg open that sends a smile to your heart. And, the surprise that occasionally is a double yolk—would YOU throw that away? Not me…
Also, here’s one other thing I’d like to comment on about chickens: “vegetarian fed.” Chickens are birds. Birds eat bugs. Therefore, NOT vegetarian. This is a reoccurring event for chickens who are pastured and able to see the light of day as opposed to being shoved in a cage, unable to move around, often with other birds—as well as having their beaks seared off so that they don’t peck each other! Seriously? I’ve seen Rousedale Farm chickens. They are friendly when they get to know you—I love it when I call them and they come visit me. They like to sit in holes that they dig, they like to find bugs, and they like being outside—well, except when they see a hawk…
I currently purchase about 2-3 dozen of eggs a week and often consume 2-6 eggs a day depending on if I eat “brinner’ or not. Half the protein is in the egg yolk. Check it out. Do your research. Let me know what you think. Take a trip to Catoctin and go love up on Mary’s Delight Farm. You won’t be disappointed. Exercise (gorgeous hikes!) and nutrition (local food!) all in one.
But also, stay local and love up on our wonderful Bel Air Farmers! Obviously, I don’t go to Mary’s Delight Farm every weekend to get my farm goodies. I rely my favorites—so don’t take the last dozen of eggs because I may come find you if you do.
Nice read. Thank you. You ought to try to “grow” your own. Not hard and don’t take up much space.
Good Luck
Farm to table in Havre de Grace – Try, “Larrapin”. Outstanding (think thats how it is spelled). There is another near Cub Hill who’s name escapes me but no freezers allowed!
Visited Laurrapin recently and the food was well above average. It was a Friday night and the service was not as smooth as one would hope but not terrible either. Depending on where you are seated it can be noisy but they have a bar so if you want something more quiet tell them when you make the reservation. But the article is about food and the food was good. It would perhaps make more sense if Laurrapin servers talked just a little more about local sources. Maybe that is a bit to ask.
RW Willy: I’m not quite sure my neighbors would be ok with clucking chickens and the smell of chicken poop.
Thanks Five Iron! I’ll check those out!!
Oooo thanks Keesha! I look forward to trying Larruapin.