Gemperle Farms Promotes Quick and Easy Egg-Based Breakfasts as the Perfect Back to School "Brain Food"

TURLOCK, Calif., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Eating a healthy breakfast can have a profound impact on a child's learning ability, so Gemperle Family Farms is offering several simple, affordable and kid-friendly breakfast ideas to start the school year off right.

Based on Harvard University research, the adage "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day" holds true especially when it comes to schoolchildren. Not only does breakfast positively influence cognitive function, focus, attention and emotional well-being, but researchers found that well-nourished students scored better in math, reading and standardized tests and experienced fewer discipline problems and absentees.

Gemperle Family Farms Vice President, Mike Gemperle said. "At Gemperle Family Farms, we always believe eggs play an important role in a healthy start to the day so kids can optimize learning." 

Many parents across the country already know the importance of breakfast; three-quarters of parents ensure their kids eat breakfast before heading to school. When it comes to those important school days, such as test days, athletic events or the first day of school, many parents prefer to feed their kids eggs to power them through the crucial day. Many moms and dads believe that eggs are more nutritious than cereals because this protein powerhouse keeps kids fuller for longer, so why not feed them eggs more often?

"In a recent American Egg Board survey of more than 1000 parents, the results emphasized the critical role parents believe that breakfast, in particular eggs, play in their kid's academic and physical performance,"Gemperle explained.

The nutrients, vitamins and minerals packed into an egg keep little brains revved all day. In addition to being the highest-quality natural protein found in any food, Gemperle eggs are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids and choline. Adults know about the benefits of omega-3s, but for youngsters, this fatty acid plays a crucial role in brain function, growth and development. It is the little known choline that may help kids ace their next test. This essential nutrient maintains cell membrane structure, manufactures neurotransmitters, which helps brain cells communicate with one another and muscle cells, and is involved in the production of serotonin and dopamine, otherwise known as the happy hormones.

For households across the country, the moment before kids head out the door in the morning can be quite stressful. Fortunately, putting together a portable egg breakfast takes less than three minutes and costs under a dollar per serving. Recruit your older kids to help make this Gemperle Farms kid-approved breakfast favorite:

The Two Minute Ham, Cheddar and Egg Breakfast Burrito

Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tbsp. water
• 2 Tbsp. fully-cooked ham
• 2 Tbsp. Cheddar Cheese, grated
• 1 Tbsp. chopped red onion (optional)

Directions:

1. Crack the egg into a cereal bowl or two-cup ramekin and beat with the water until well blended.
2. Add chopped ham and onions.
3. Microwave the egg mixture on high for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Give the eggs a little stir and microwave for an additional 20 to 40 seconds until the eggs are just about set.
5. Remove eggs from the microwave and heat the tortilla for 20 seconds on high in the microwave.
6. Place the cooked eggs in the warmed tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Roll up and enjoy!

Variations:

• Add salsa or a spread of pesto before rolling.
• Replace the ham with cooked sausage.
• Replace the tortilla with a toasted whole wheat bread or English muffin for an egg sandwich.
• For a vegetarian version, add leftover cooked broccoli to the egg mixture.

If you prefer to skip the microwave, follow the first two steps and then fry the egg mixture on the stovetop for about three minutes until the eggs are about set.

About Gemperle Family Farms
Gemperle Farms believes strongly in giving children the tools they need to succeed, which begins with a healthy breakfast. The Gemperle Family donates over 500,000 eggs each year to free lunch programs, schools, fundraisers and food banks with a portion designated for children's breakfast programs. Gemperle Family Farms produces all varieties of eggs including traditional shell eggs, enriched colony barn eggs, specialty eggs such as browns, organic, cage free, omega-3 and cage free fertile.  Our eggs are produced without hormones and antibiotics – the natural way that eggs should be produced. We believe in supplying eggs that consumers want to buy so we produce eggs for a variety of consumer needs and budgets. For more recipes and egg information visit the Gemperle Farms at http://www.gemperle.com

SOURCE Gemperle Family Farms