You can tell if eggs are still good using several simple methods: 1. The Water Float Test
- Fill a bowl or glass with cold water and gently place the egg inside.
- If the egg sinks and lies flat on its side, it is very fresh and safe to eat.
- If it sinks but stands upright on one end, it is still safe but less fresh.
- If the egg floats to the top, it is too old and should be discarded
2. The Sniff Test
- Smell the egg either through the shell or after cracking it open.
- A bad egg will emit a strong sulfur or rotten odor, indicating it should be thrown away.
- Fresh eggs have little to no smell
3. Visual and Texture Inspection After Cracking
- Crack the egg onto a flat surface and observe the yolk and white.
- A fresh egg has a firm, rounded yolk and thick, slightly opaque whites that cling around the yolk.
- Older eggs have flatter yolks and watery, runny whites that spread out more.
- Look for any discoloration like black or brown spots (mold) which means the egg is bad. Blood spots are safe but can be removed
4. Shake Test (less common)
- Shake the egg close to your ear; if you hear sloshing, the egg white may be watery and the egg is older
Additional Tips:
- Always check the date on the carton as a first indicator.
- Store eggs in the refrigerator and use within recommended time frames (up to about 45 days from processing).
- When in doubt, use the float and sniff tests combined to ensure safety
These methods together provide a reliable way to assess egg freshness and safety before use.
