According to Alex Williams and verified by New Scientist an egg within an egg is a natural but rare occurence. Occasionally during normal egg formation an egg travels back up the oviduct, meets another egg travelling down, and becomes encased inside the second egg during the shell forming process, thus creating an egg within an egg. It is especially unusual to encounter this phenomenon in a shop-bought egg, because these are routinely candled (a bright light is held up to them to examine the contents), and any irregularities are normally rejected.

Free Range is defined simply by the Model Code of Practice as a production system where birds have access to an outside run area. The RSPCA adds that hens be able dust bathe, scratch and forage, and lay their eggs in a nest. Ecoeggs meets these requirements, and thanks to our transparency and market leading ChookCam, makes it very easy for consumers to see for themselves the hens ranging outside, enjoying all these natural behaviours. 

It is a common misconception, particularly following emotive articles in the media, for people incorrectly associate a range density of greater than 1500 hens/hectare as automatically being inhumane. Densities stated in the Model Code are at this point still only recommendations, and the document acknowledges that "it is not possible to relate stocking density to welfare in a simple manner". There are many other factors contributing to the welfare and humane treatment of the flocks. All of which must be considered. In fact were we to follow the recommendation literally they would allow us to add 30% more density inside – we are well below their recommendation.

Research and debate is very much ongoing as to what is the best density for ranging. A standard that balances practical concerns and hen welfare. It is only natural that consumers will be bombarded with claims from farmers, activists and media. It is only natural that they all have a different agenda. 

Ecoeggs is considerably more transparent than the bulk of the commercial egg industry and is a market leader in hen welfare: 

• voluntarily engaging directly with consumers, providing detailed and honest answers
• providing open forums for discussion on Facebook and on our website
• providing detailed information on the audit process and results on our website
• providing photographs and video of the actual farms on our website
• providing the industry's first ChookCam, a live controllable camera that allows consumers to directly inspect the farms

All our ecoeggs farms provide a average maximum of 10.5 hens or less/m2 for shelter at night and an average maximum of 2 hens/m2 outside range area during the day. Typically around 50% of our hens will be outside at any one time so this is effectively around 1 hen/m2 range area outside. Thanks to our live ChookCam you can clearly see the hens enjoying their outside time, digging, dust bathing and running around.

We have been working on plans to further reduce the range density for some time, and we will be sure to let you all know when that can happen.

Eggs are to be stamped at the farm where they are produced or at a grading facility, which is what we have been doing for some time. However the new law requires a particular code and unfortunately we can no longer use our phrase "ecoeggs with love" but instead must use our unique code, which is EB24449. 

The new unique code will be appearing on Ecoeggs shortly.

Once you see this egg trick you will want to try it at home. Let us know if it works!

Justine shows us her Grandmother's recipe for this classic traditional dish, the French equivalent of the Aussie meatloaf. Rich meaty flavours of the different pork cuts balance beautifully with the sharpness of the mustard and cornichon. If you have not seen cornichon before they are just baby pickles and are a fantastic accompaniment to cheese, paté and terrine. For the full recipe and other delicious treats from Everyday Gourmet featuring ecoeggs free range eggs see our recipes blog.

A Chinese YouTube clip has been doing the rounds recently showing a cool trick for separating eggs using nothing more than an empty water bottle and a couple of bowls. We found an earlier one from Graci in the Kitchen, which is a bit more fun, and has less ads!

Over the last few days we have been experiencing a few hiccups with the egg printer, so there will be a few eggs out there without our usual ecoeggs stamp. Rest assured they are the same great quality free range eggs as always, and printing should return to normal shortly. 

Like a lighter sister to Créme Brulee, this is a classic dish that never goes out of style. Silky smooth custard contrasts with the bite of a great caramel. Don't be put off by a fear of getting them out of their molds, it's really easy. For the full recipe and other delicious treats from Everyday Gourmet featuring ecoeggs free range eggs see our recipes blog.

A delicious and nutritious breakfast featuring one of nature's best wholefoods – tasty free range ecoeggs. For the full recipe and other delicious treats from Everyday Gourmet featuring ecoeggs free range eggs see our recipes blog.

Rich velvety eggs make a really simple and delicious breakfast in next-to-no-time. For the full recipe and other delicious treats from Everyday Gourmet featuring ecoeggs free range eggs see our recipes blog.