To tell if eggs are bad using the water test, follow these steps:

1. Fill a bowl or glass with cold water.
2. Gently place the egg into the water.
3. Observe the egg's behavior:

• If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, it is fresh and safe to eat.
• If the egg sinks but stands upright on the bottom, it is still edible but not as fresh and should be cooked thoroughly.
• If the egg floats to the surface, it is old and should be discarded as it is likely bad.

This test works because as eggs age, moisture evaporates through the shell and air replaces it, increasing the size of the air pocket inside the egg, which makes it buoyant and causes it to float

. Keep in mind that while the float test is a good indicator of freshness, it does not guarantee the egg is safe or good quality. Always check for cracks, sliminess, or powdery mold on the shell, and after cracking, look for any unusual discoloration or foul odor before consuming

. In summary:

• Egg lies flat on bottom: fresh
• Egg stands upright on bottom: less fresh but still safe if cooked well
• Egg floats: bad, discard

This simple water test is a reliable first step to assess egg freshness before use