Originally Posted by
bocastephen
I thought it was from beta-cartone, such as kale and other green leafy vegetables and seeds. I found local California "Japanese" branded eggs targeted to the Japanese supermarkets, at a premium price, but when I tested a few, the yolks were yellow. Very disappointing and a total waste of money.
The farm eggs I started buying seem a little closer to ideal, but they still vary - some yolks are dark orange and some are still yellow, it seems some of the chickens are not cooperating with my plan.
My neighbors own a large chicken farm up in the IE - I am tempted to chat with them about subcontracting some of their chickens into an open pasture setup where I will supply high beta carotene foods trying to emulate the typical Japanese egg feed mix, and see what happens. If they turn out the way I want, I might actually have a niche product I could start marketing to the Japanese supermarkets and Whole Foods, at least in certain areas where there is demand for that type of egg. I think they would also do well with bakeries that need a richer, denser yolk product. At least in Whole Foods I see people paying $8++ a dozen for premium organic eggs, so I know there is a market for a niche product.
I'd be a buyer. Marukai sells "Golden Fertile Brown Eggs" which are pretty decent (and golden). But not as good as the Japanese variety. The beta carotene is one thing but they definitely augment it in Japan.