May is egg month

May is National Egg Month and to celebrate, Ohio’s egg farmers for the first time are partnering with the Columbus Commons and 10 participating Columbus food trucks during a month-long event to feature the incredible egg. Every Thursday during May, the food trucks will introduce a new and creative menu item using wholesome, nutritious Ohio eggs to be featured at the Columbus Commons Food Truck Food Court, 160 S. High St., Columbus.

“We’re excited to partner with the Columbus Commons and participating food trucks during National Egg Month in May to educate consumers on the many health benefits of eggs and the creative ways consumers can use them,” said Jim Chakeres, executive vice president of the Ohio Poultry Association (OPA).

Chakeres said Ohio ranks second in the nation for egg production, producing more than 8 billion eggs each year. OPA representatives and Ohio egg famers will be available to answer questions about Ohio egg farming and how they ensure safe, wholesome egg products to the state’s consumers during Thursdays at the Columbus Commons.

As part of the celebration, the participating food trucks will compete each week for the tastiest and most creative egg-inspired menu item, featuring the following themes:

• May 1-7: Deviled eggs

• May 8-14: Eggs in a sandwich

• May 15-21: Breakfast for lunch

• May 22-28: Most unique and tasty egg dish

The competition will be judged by local celebrities and culinary experts at noon on Thursdays during May at the Columbus Commons Food Truck Food Court. At the end of May, the overall winning food truck will receive $500 and have their winning menu item featured on OhioEggs.com.

Consumers are encouraged to participate by sharing their favorite egg-inspired item from participating food trucks using the hashtag, #614Eggs. The food trucks will be selling the menu items during Thursdays at the Columbus Commons and throughout the month. Ohioans can track where the food trucks will be located in May using the new Columbus Mobile Food Vendor Program.

Participating food trucks include: Aromaku, Blue Olive, Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Mixing Bowl Asian Grill, Paddy Wagon, Pitabilities, Red Plate Blue Plate, Schmidt’s Sausage Truck, Taco Sherpa and En Place.

Known as nature’s perfect food, eggs contain only 70 calories, are an excellent source of high-quality protein, and are packed with 13 essential nutrients and amino acids. Additionally, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recently announced recommendations stating that eggs are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals and that dietary cholesterol is no longer a nutrient of concern.