I often opt for home-grown eggs from the Poklič farm, called Francium eggs, which can be bought in Carinthia. I have known the story of Franci's eggs for a few years now and I like the fact that the owner of the hens, Franci Poklič, has a special relationship with them, which confirms the idea that only happy hens lay first-class eggs.
Eggs are a very useful superfood that we should have in stock all the time, so I always go for new ones at the right time. And so it was on a sunny autumn day a few months ago. My sister was waiting for me at home after I had finished my shopping. While I was explaining to her about how quickly people buy up Francium eggs at the cooperative where I usually buy them, and also by the poached egg, I quickly piled the egg cartons on the table.
The saleswoman at the cooperative had already hinted that I would be surprised when I opened the boxes, as some customers had told her that it was not just eggs that were hidden inside. I had assumed that there would be a colouring book, pencil or souvenir, which they give on holidays or similar occasions at the Poklič farm, but when I opened one of the boxes, there was an interesting surprise waiting for me inside.
In the egg carton was a neat little card with a picture of a chicken in the hands of its owner, France, with fifty cents glued to it. The card had a kind note: »Due to the increase in the number of hens, the eggs are smaller, so we will return the penny to you.«
Curious, I rushed to open the other egg cartons. Inside each one was a coupon with a message and 50 cents stuck to it. »That's a really nice gesture,« I said to my sister. »It's rare that you get a refund if the food is not what you usually get. Prices are not usually reduced.«
Sister agreed and added: »After all, it is not only a nice gesture, but also an honest practice, and honesty is a virtue that sometimes seems to be dying out. Many people are only looking to maximise their profits, even if they do not always do business honestly.«
This action brightened my day. I will definitely remember it, and probably so will many others who buy Francium eggs. I suppose that is what attracts people: the honesty and the heart that you feel.
Mateja Sekavčnik, 1 Feb 2025
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