To tell if an egg is fresh, you can use several simple and effective methods:

1. Water (Float) Test

• Fill a bowl or glass with cold water.
• Gently place the egg in the water.
• If the egg sinks and lies flat on its side , it is very fresh and safe to eat.
• If the egg sinks but stands upright on one end , it is still safe to eat but not as fresh.
• If the egg floats to the surface , it is too old and should be discarded

This works because eggshells are porous, allowing air to enter over time. The air pocket inside grows larger as the egg ages, making it more buoyant

2. Sniff Test

• Crack the egg open and smell it.
• A fresh egg has little to no odor.
• A bad egg emits a strong, unpleasant sulfur or rotten smell and should be discarded

3. Visual and Texture Inspection After Cracking

• Crack the egg onto a flat, white plate.
• A fresh egg has a firm, rounded yolk that stands tall and a thick, slightly opaque egg white that doesn’t spread much.
• Older eggs have flatter yolks and thinner, watery whites that spread out more.
• Look for any discoloration such as pink, iridescent, or unusual spots, which may indicate bacterial growth and spoilage

4. Shake Test (Optional)

• Hold the egg close to your ear and shake gently.
• If you hear a sloshing sound, the egg is likely old because the yolk has become watery

Summary Table

Test| Fresh Egg Result| Old Egg Result| Bad Egg Result
---|---|---|---
Water Test| Sinks, lies flat| Sinks, stands upright| Floats
Sniff Test| No odor| Mild or no odor| Rotten/sulfur smell
Visual Inspection| Firm yolk, thick white| Flatter yolk, watery white| Discoloration, off appearance
Shake Test| No sound| Sloshing sound| N/A

These methods combined provide a reliable way to determine if an egg is fresh and safe to eat without relying solely on expiration dates