I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to make a good breakfast on weekdays, let alone have veggies in my breakfast. This recipe takes care of both. Yes, there is some prep time involved in cooking, folding, and storing the burritos but this recipe makes enough to last all week so it’s worth it!

If I haven’t convinced you yet to make these, another great feature is that they are very portable! I even took these on a camping trip this summer to Arkansas and warmed them up on the grill.

Before you run to the store for ingredients let’s talk about the differences in the types of eggs you can purchase. There seems to be more options than ever, which on one hand is great because it gives you as the consumer choice. On the other hand, it can be confusing sorting trying to decipher what the difference is between cage free and free range.

CONVENTIONAL EGGS

Eggs laid by hens living in cages with access to feed, water and security. The cages serve as nesting space. In this type of hen house, the birds are more readily protected from the elements, disease and natural and unnatural predators.

FREE-RANGE EGGS

Eggs produced by hens that have access to outdoors in accordance with weather, environmental or state laws. In addition to consuming a diet of grains, these hens may forage for wild plants and insects. They are provided floor space, nesting space and perches.

CAGE-FREE EGGS

Eggs laid by hens at indoor floor operations, sometimes called free-roaming. The hens may roam in a building, room or open area, usually in a barn or poultry house, and have unlimited access to fresh food and water. Some may also forage for food if they are allowed outdoors. Cage-free systems vary and include barn-raised and free-range hens, both of which have shelter that helps protect against predators. Both types are produced under common handling and care practices, which provide floor space, nest space and perches. Depending on the farm, these housing systems may or may not have an automated egg collection system.

HORMONE FREE

This term on eggs and other chicken products really doesn’t mean much. Hormones are never used in pork and poultry production, as they don’t work. However, eggs contain natural hormones. Therefore, the statement “no hormones” is considered misleading to the consumer. The egg industry does not use hormones in the production of shell eggs. The FDA requires a qualifying statement on the label for shell eggs, which is “Hormones are not used in the production of shell eggs”.

BROWN EGGS VS WHITE EGGS

There is no nutritional difference between a brown egg and a white egg. Brown eggs come from brown hens. White eggs come from white hens. Why do brown eggs sometimes cost more? Brown hens are bigger and require more feed, hence an increase in price.

ANTIBIOTIC USE

In general, eggs are antibiotic-free because antibiotics are not used on a continuous basis in the egg industry. While antibiotics may be used for hen health in accordance to FDA regulations, the probability of antibiotic residue being present in eggs is extremely low because hens being treated for sickness rarely produce eggs and/or their egg production is likely to severely decrease. Because so few antibiotics are used and are used to such a small degree, they aren’t likely to contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

OMEGA 3 EGGS

The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to several health benefits including cardioprotective effects and reduced blood pressure. While marine sources represent the highest natural sources many don’t get the recommended two servings per week. By adding flaxseed, fish oil, or algal oils to the hen’s diet, producers can significantly enhance both the total and the long chain omega-3 content of the egg. Depending on the chicken feeding regimen employed, one omega 3-enriched egg can contain upwards of 400 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids, with 150-200 mg of EPA + DHA, thus providing consumers a choice between conventional and omega-3 eggs.