// Waitrose to sell pullet eggs from hens that usually go to waste
// Pullet eggs are considered a favourite with chefs and will retail at £1.99 for four
// Waitrose is the first supermarket in the UK to retail the miniature eggs
Billed as a way of reducing waste for farmers, Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to start selling pullet eggs from so-called ‘teenage’ hens.
Pullets, otherwise known as hens that are less than a year old, begin laying eggs at around 16 weeks, but their first eggs are considerably smaller than an ordinary hen’s egg.
Until now, supermarkets have refused to accept pullet eggs, despite the fact they can make up 10 per cent of an egg farmer’s overall stock.
Unable to be sold to supermarkets, most pullet eggs are thrown away, with up to 1.5 million pullet eggs being wasted every year.
In another move set to increase its sustainability credentials, Waitrose will now sell pullet eggs at £1.99 for a packet of four.
“Pullet eggs are a chef’s dream especially when it comes to pastry. Thanks to their smaller nature they hold their shape a lot better which makes them idea for poaching. The yolks have a wonderful deep colour and rich flavour, making them perfect for mayonnaise or pastry such as a lemon tart or creme brûlée,” said Waitrose development chef Zoe Simons.
It’s the latest initiative in a series of efforts from Waitrose to improve its eco-credentials.
At the start of the month the up-market grocer announced it had extended its Unpacked concept to three extra stores, encouraging customers to do their grocery shopping in refillable containers.
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