Local farmer Michelle Webb gathers the best eggs from her land and beyond.

• BROWN EGGS
  The brown eggs from our farm, Highview Pastures, come from four varieties of hens: Golden Comets, Black Stars, Rhode Island Reds and Barred Rock—all of which are free-range/pasture-raised, with no hormones or antibiotics. Yes, you can taste the difference; there’s a rich flavor from the deep-yellow yolks and excellent texture in the sturdy egg whites. The eggs hold up well in the kitchen, thanks to a thicker shell, so you don’t have to worry about being too gentle when cooking. $3/dozen.
   
• BLUE AND GREEN EGGS
  Aesthetically pleasing “Easter Eggers,” or Araucanas, offer eggs that vary in hue from a vibrant Robin’s-egg blue to a pastel blue-green (shown here). But their charm isn’t only shell deep; contrary to what Dr. Seuss will have you believe, Araucana green (and blue) eggs taste the same as free-range browns and share another perk: an increased amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A and less fat due to their alfalfa-based diet found in the backyard pasture. $3/dozen from Highview Pastures.
   
• QUAIL EGGS
  They may be remarkably tiny--about four or five of them make up your average chicken egg--but quail eggs are the perfect way to include egg in a dish without overpowering other ingredients. They are mild and taste very similar to chicken eggs, but have more cholesterol. Since they’re so cute, using quail eggs as edible decoration is very popular; I once had pickled quail eggs at a wild-game dinner, and the eggs were served on a “nest” of fine noodles. Mississippi Market frequently carries locally sourced quail eggs for $3.29/two dozen. You can usually find them at area Asian markets like United Noodles at a similar price.
   
• DUCK EGGS
  While duck eggs were everywhere when my husband lived in Asia, they’re not as readily available or popular stateside. But they’re worth trying, especially considering their super-rich flavor and health benefits (they have more vitamins A, D and B12 than chicken eggs). You can find them at the Mill City Farmers’ Market, set to close October 18, from Wisconsin-based Mystic Prairie Eco-Farm, which raises ducks organically. $12/dozen.

GETCONNECTED

• Highview Pastures, 25735 Highview Ave., Farmington, 952.985.7577
• Mississippi Market, 622 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651.310.9499
• United Noodles, 2015 E. 24th St., Minneapolis, 612.721.6677
• Mill City Farmers’ Market, Saturdays through October 18, 704 2nd St. S., Minneapolis