héjszíne

Héjszíne is a Hungarian term that translates to "egg color" or "shell color" in English. It refers to the natural coloration of the eggshells produced by birds, most commonly associated with domestic fowl like chickens. The color of a hen's eggshell is determined by the breed of the hen and is influenced by pigment deposition during the egg's formation in the oviduct.

Different breeds of chickens lay eggs of varying colors, including white, brown, and even shades of blue or green. These colors do not affect the nutritional value or taste of the egg. White-shelled eggs are typically laid by breeds with white earlobes, while brown-shelled eggs are often produced by breeds with red earlobes. The pigment responsible for brown coloration is protoporphyrin. Blue and green eggs are less common and are produced by specific breeds, such as Ameraucanas and Araucanas, where a gene allows the pigment biliverdin to be deposited throughout the shell.

The concept of héjszíne is relevant in poultry farming and for consumers who may have preferences for certain egg colors. While historically some believed brown eggs were more nutritious, scientific consensus indicates no significant difference in nutritional content based solely on shell color. The economic and aesthetic aspects of egg color are often considered in commercial egg production and by backyard chicken keepers.