Can you still find double-yolk eggs in the grocery store?

Finding an egg with a double-yolk was always really exciting as a kid. If someone cracked one into the pan, we would all gather around and wonder how it happened.

Knowing what I know now, eggs with more than one yolk are not as magical as they once were.

According to an interview that The Washington Post conducted with Deana R. Jones PhD, Research Food Technologist, most double-yolks are the result of what Jones defined as “hen puberty.” 

At approximately five months of age, a hen undergoes hormonal changes that trigger ovulation. When a hen’s ovulation cycle is working correctly, one yolk at a time is released into the oviduct. However, mistakes can be made when a hen is just beginning this process, causing double-yolk eggs.

“Her system is a little confused,” Jones stated. “She’s trying to find her way and accidentally releases two yolks at one time. It predominantly occurs to younger laying flocks just as they’re going into the laying cycle.”

One of the reasons you might not find an egg with more than one yolk is because eggs are graded by weight. Double-yolk eggs typically are heavier and end up being graded jumbo. If you do not buy that egg size, you probably will not see a double-yolk egg.

While double-yolk eggs can cause problems for producers due to their size and fragility, Jones explained that there is nothing wrong with a double-yolk egg from a food safety point of view.

Double-yolk superstitions?

Double-yolk eggs are often just a fun moment to share with your family at breakfast time, however, many people have superstitions tied to the abnormality.

According to a blog written by Sauder’s Eggs, finding a double-yolk egg is often tied to pregnancy and fertility.

In some cultures, a double-yolk signifies that a pregnancy is going to happen soon. Some people even believe it predicts that twins are on the way.

However, the superstition does not always mean that the one who cracked the egg will be pregnant. It could just mean that someone you know will be getting pregnant soon.