Eggs are generally safe to assess at home using a few simple, quick checks. Here’s a concise guide to help you decide if your eggs are still good to eat. Direct answer
- Do a float test in water: fresh eggs sink and lie flat; older eggs sink but stand on end; if an egg floats, it’s best to discard it.
- Smell and crack test: if you crack the egg and detect a sulfuric or unpleasant odor, toss it. If there’s no odor and the yolk/egg white look normal, it’s usually fine.
- Visual check after cracking: look for any pink, iridescent, or moldy appearances inside the egg. Any off colors or unusual textures mean discard.
- Shell condition matters: avoid eggs with cracks or slimy, powdery, or excessively dirty shells, as damage can indicate contamination.
How to perform the checks
- Float test (in a bowl of cold water):
- Place the egg in the water.
- If it sinks to the bottom and lies flat, it’s very fresh.
- If it sinks but stands on its end, it’s older but usually still safe to eat.
- If it floats, discard it.
- Crack and sniff:
- Crack the egg on a clean plate or bowl.
- If it smells bad or sulfurous, discard.
- If it smells neutral, proceed to use if other checks are normal.
- Inspect the contents:
- Check yolk shape and egg white consistency. A sickly color, milky green tinge, or very runny, unusually thin whites can indicate spoilage.
- Look for any spots, unusual textures, or signs of mold inside the shell after cracking.
Storage tips to extend freshness
- Refrigerate eggs promptly at or below 40°F (4°C) to maximize shelf life.
- Keep eggs in their original carton to protect them from odor transfer and to help maintain consistent temperature.
- Use eggs within the recommended window: typically 3–5 weeks from purchase for best quality, though many eggs remain safe beyond that if they pass the checks above.
When to discard more strictly
- If an egg floats, or if there is any off-putting odor regardless of other signs.
- If the shell is cracked and the interior shows discoloration, mold, or an unusual texture.
If you’d like, share your eggs’ float test result and any observations after cracking (odor, color, texture), and I can help interpret whether they’re safe to use.
