Every question I’ve ever been asked about quail eggs, plus a few you might not have thought of yet.

These are small eggs laid by Quail, a type of game bird. Quails eggs are much smaller than chicken eggs, with a speckled shell that can range in colour from light brown to blue-green.

Quail eggs are considered a delicacy in some cultures and are often used in gourmet cuisine for their rich flavour and delicate texture.

They can be cooked in many of the same ways as chicken eggs, such as boiled, fried, or poached and require shorter cooking times due to their smaller size.

Below: Here is a 1 egg from each of the 10 breeds of quail I am currently keeping arranged in a line.

Fun facts about Quails eggs:

• The speckled patterns are unique to each bird—like fingerprints.
• Some of the colour can be washed off the eggs.
• In some cultures, quail eggs are a symbol of prosperity and good health.
• They’re popular in bento boxes in Japan, often boiled and peeled whole.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about quail eggs along with their answers:

What are quail eggs? Quail eggs are the small eggs laid by various species of quail, a type of small ground-dwelling bird.

Are quail eggs edible? Yes, quail eggs are edible and are consumed in many parts of the world. I like them soft boiled in salads.

Below: The colour and pattern of each Quail egg is unique to the bird that laid it.

How do quail eggs taste? They taste a lot like chicken eggs, but richer and creamier. Some people describe the flavour as slightly more “gamey,” but in my experience, the difference is subtle.

Here is the kicker - In a blind taste test when we couldn't see which eggs we were eating, me and a couple of my friends and family could not tell the difference between Quail and chicken eggs.

Are quail eggs nutritious? Yes, quail eggs are highly nutritious and are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They contain more protein, iron, and vitamin B12 than chicken eggs, and are also rich in vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus.

How do you cook quail eggs? Quail eggs can be boiled, fried, or poached, and can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, omelettes, and soups. When I bake, I often swap 3 or 5 quail eggs for 1 chicken egg—it works beautifully.

How long do quail eggs take to cook? Quails eggs take about 2-3 minutes to boil, 1-2 minutes to fry, and 2-3 minutes to poach. Because of their size, cooking times are short:

• Soft-boiled: 2 minutes.
• Hard-boiled: 3 to 4 minutes.
• Fried: 1–2 minutes and flip for 15 seconds if you don't like sunny side up.
• Poached: 2 minutes 15 seconds for a runny yolk.

Tip: Use a small sharp knife to crack them, as the membrane inside the shell can be tricky.

How many quail eggs should I eat? The recommended serving size for quail eggs is usually 2-3 eggs per serving.

Where can I buy quail eggs? Quail eggs can be found in many supermarkets, speciality food stores, Asian or farmers markets, and online retailers.

How long do quail eggs last? Quail eggs can last for up to 3-4 weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator. It is important to check the expiration date before consuming them.

Can you tell if a quail egg is fertile? It is not possible to tell if a quail egg is fertile just by looking at it. The only way to determine fertility is to incubate the egg and wait for it to hatch or to crack it open to visually check whether the eggs is fertile.

Below: The natural development of a fertile Quail egg.

How long do quail eggs stay fresh? Quail eggs can stay fresh for up to 4 weeks if they are properly stored in the refrigerator. However, it's best to consume them within a week of purchase for the best quality.

Can you eat quail eggs raw? Quail eggs can be eaten raw. They should be fresh and have clean shells to reduce the risk of contamination. In our recent tests none of the quails eggs I sent to a laboratory for testing came back positive for E. coli or Salmonella. 

Can you be allergic to Quail eggs? Yes, but it’s rare. Interestingly, some people allergic to chicken eggs can tolerate quail eggs due to a different protein composition. If in doubt, check with your doctor before trying them.

Do Quail eggs need to be refrigerated? If they’re unwashed and freshly laid, they can sit at room temperature for about a week thanks to their protective “bloom.” Once washed, they should be refrigerated, where they’ll keep for up to 6 weeks. I store mine in recycled egg cartons, which always makes visitors smile.

What causes quail eggs to have a bad odour? A bad smell in quail eggs is the result of a bacterial contamination which can be caused by several factors, including pathogens or the presence of a fertilised embryo.

Are Quail Eggs Sustainable? Quail farming is eco-friendly. Quail need less space, feed, and water than chickens. A single hen produces about 5–6 eggs per week with minimal environmental impact. Raising my own quail makes me feel like I’m doing my part for sustainable living—it’s empowering to grow your own food!