The egg has been an important part of our diet for centuries. Hens have been domesticated in Europe since 600 B.C. and were probably first brought to the New World by Columbus in 1493. Offering 13 essential nutrients, it's no wonder the egg has remained a staple for this long. According to Mother Earth News, hens raised in a pasture and on a plant-based diet produce eggs that have:

o 1/3 less cholesterol

o 1/4 less saturated fat

o 2/3 more vitamin A

o 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids

o 3 times more vitamin E

o 7 times more beta carotene

If you're finding that free range organic eggs from the store just aren't the right price, consider owning a few hens. The city allows up to three, as long as they are at least 20-25ft from any one resident. That's perfect for any row home in Baltimore. I'll be helping a neighbor build a chicken coop come spring, next to the Remington Village Green Community Garden . Check back in the next couple weeks for more hen info, progress on the coop design and other experiments!

type="text/javascript" class="owbutton" src="http://www.onlywire.com/button" title="Why Free Range Eggs Are Better For You" url="http://www.GoForChange.com/?p=498">>