Country Hen Eggs
Unlike most Kosher Blog product recommendations, this one’s almost as simple as a product can get: eggs. I’ve been using Country Hen Eggs (from Hubbardston, MA) for several weeks now, and have noticed their particularly deep yellow yolks, firm shells, low prevalence of blood spots (haven’t found one yet), and the interesting little newsletters stuck in their cartons. Plus, their birds are raised on a farm that seems almost regal compared to typical chicken treatment: spacious sunlit barns, organic feed, natural ventilation, and outdoor porches.
My review would almost be unequivocal, if I hadn’t noticed in their last carton newsletter that their eggs are now “certified kosher” by Natural Food Certifiers’ Apple-K Kosher Program. I am not convinced that whole, natural eggs require kosher supervision. In fact, even though the Orthodox Union’s article on the subject discusses all the potential issues with modern egg processing that could create kashrut problems, the author concludes, “All of our Kosher concerns regarding raw eggs turned out not to be of any Halachic significance.” Additionally, the Star-K mentions parenthetically in an article on industrial egg use that “eggs commonly available are always kosher.”
Perhaps Country Hen is wasting its money on this aruguably unnecessary certification? “Kosher” or not, they’re great eggs… give them a try. And remember, “brown eggs are local eggs, and local eggs are fresh!”
The NFC also certifies items as organic. That is what the company is paying for. The NFC is a USDA Organic Certification agent and I believe one of the only kosher certification agencies (if not the only) to be so accredited.
They also have a vegan certification program.
If they get the “kosher” stamp as a free bonus to organic certification, that’s fine. But isn’t it still disingenuous for a rabbi to say that he can make eggs “kosher”?
Admit it, you’d secretly pay more for OU certified glatt eggs ;-)
In fact, on principle, I typically try to avoid eggs with any “kosher” certification at all. But these are especially good (and well cared-for) eggs.
In resposne to the kosher certification of the Country Hen eggs: NFC has certified the eggs as organic for two years. At the initial application process for organic certification they requested kosher cert. NFC advised them we would not do so because there were no reasons to do so. Eventually, they “begged”- as other competitors have a kosher mark on them…we acquiesed, However, we do not charge for the service. We of course have verified their breed and stock, as this is part of the organic plan as well. If you have any questions, call us at 845 426 5098
Rabbi Flamer – NFC administrator
Where are these eggs to be found in the Boston area? (The website offers them shipped at $15/dozen, and Brookline and Brighton zip codes are not in their “stores” database.)
I’ve purchased them at Shaw’s (near BU), Whole Foods (Brighton), and Stop & Shop (Brookline & Brighton). They’re probably at many other locations, but these I can verify personally.
Thanks, Jon! We’ll give them a try.
I know this is old but thank you very much for your support, it means alot to us!
is this hechsher a reliable orthodox hechsher? can i buy stevia with the apple-k? ive never heard of this hushguckah. thanks