Definition: 'Eieren' is the Dutch word for eggs.
- Eieren - These are ordinary eggs. Unless you you see any of the terms below on the package, you're probably buying eggs laid by battery hens in tiny cages.
- Scharreleieren - Free range eggs. Did you know that free range doesn't necessarily mean the birds have access to the outside world? They may be reared indoors, but they have a bit more space than battery chickens.
- Graseieren - Eggs from hens that have access to the outdoors.
- Vrije uitloop eieren - Eggs from hens that have access to the outdoors.
- Biologische eieren - Organic eggs. The term 'organic' indicates a method of farming in which the hens are fed organic feed and live in a cage-free environment, with access to the outdoors. Organic egg producers may not use antibiotics except during an infectious outbreak. Forced molting or de-beaking is not allowed.
- Biodynamische eieren - Bio-dynamic eggs. The term 'bio-dynamic' indicates a method of organic farming that looks at the farm as a complete eco-system.
I'm very heartened to see that many supermarkets in Holland now only stock free range and organic eggs. However, many consumers who diligently buy free range or organic eggs for their own use forget about the hidden battery eggs in their ready-made sausage roll snack, cookie or other pre-prepared foods.
