You can tell if eggs are good or bad using several simple methods:

1. The Water (Float) Test

• Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the egg inside.
• If the egg sinks and lies flat on its side , it is very fresh.
• If the egg sinks but stands upright on its small end , it is still safe to eat but less fresh.
• If the egg floats to the top , it is too old and should be discarded

This test works because eggshells are porous, allowing air to enter over time. Older eggs have larger air pockets, making them more buoyant

2. Visual Inspection After Cracking

• A fresh egg will have a bright yellow or orange yolk that is plump and stands tall.
• The egg white (albumen) will be thick and not spread much.
• Older eggs have flatter yolks and watery, spread-out whites.
• Any pink, iridescent discoloration or unusual colors in yolk or whites indicate spoilage

3. Sniff Test

• Smell the egg while still in the shell or after cracking it into a bowl.
• A bad egg emits a strong, rotten, sulfur-like odor.
• If there is no odor, the egg is likely safe to use

4. Shake Test

• Hold the egg up to your ear and gently shake it.
• If you hear a sloshing sound, the egg is old and the yolk may be watery, indicating it may be bad.
• No sound usually means the egg is fresh

Additional Tips

• Check the shell for cracks, sliminess, or powdery residue, which can indicate bacterial or mold contamination.
• Always handle eggs with clean hands and cook them thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness

By combining these tests—especially the float test, visual inspection, and sniff test—you can confidently determine whether your eggs are good or bad.