Ostrich eggs are the largest of any living bird in the world. An ostrich female can lay between 14 and 16 eggs in the wild and up to 60 eggs in controlled breading conditions.  The ostrich egg weight is close to 1,5kg and the colour ranges from pearl white to cream. The egg shell is 3mm thick and quite strong.  The egg of an ostrich is roughly the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs.

Chicken and ostrich eggs

Ostrich eggs can be poached, fried or the easiest way, scrambled. An ostrich egg contains approximately 2000 calories, 47% protein and 45% fat. According to a study in 2003 in the British Poultry Science, ostrich eggs have a vitamin mark-up similar to that of chicken eggs. That means, per serving, an ostrich egg is a good source of choline and B vitamins such as vitamin B12, riboflavin and folic acid.

However, ostrich eggs contain less vitamin E and vitamin A than that of a chicken egg. Ostrich eggs again are richer in magnesium and iron than chicken eggs. This research was conducted by C.Roseline Angel, Ph.D. for Purina Milis Inc. Ostrich eggs do not contain any sodium. Because of this, ostrich eggs may be a better choice for people on a low sodium diet.