How can you identify a quality egg?

Identifying a quality egg involves several key factors, and one of the most critical aspects is the size, shell quality, and yolk color. The size of the egg can be an indicator of quality; larger eggs are often preferred in various culinary uses. Shell quality is vital because a strong, intact shell is a sign of a healthy egg. Any cracks or blemishes may suggest a compromised interior. The color of the yolk is also an important indicator, with deeper, richer colors typically being associated with a more nutritious diet provided to the hen, which can influence the overall flavor and quality of the egg.

While the weight, shell texture, and expiration date can provide some information about an egg's quality, they are not as comprehensive as the combination of size, shell quality, and yolk color. The color of the egg white and overall freshness are indeed relevant, as are the thickness of the shell and the shape of the egg, but they are not as effective as the identified factors in assessing the overall quality. Thus, focusing on size, shell quality, and yolk color offers a more thorough approach to determining whether an egg is of high quality.