You can tell if eggs are good or bad using several reliable methods:
1. The Water (Float) Test
- Fill a bowl or glass with about four inches of cold water.
- Gently place the egg in the water.
- If the egg sinks and lies flat on its side , it is very fresh.
- If the egg stands upright on its small end at the bottom , it is still good to eat but not quite as fresh.
- If the egg floats to the surface , it is old and should be discarded because air has permeated the shell, increasing buoyancy
2. Smell Test
- Crack the egg open and sniff it.
- A fresh egg has little to no odor.
- If the egg emits a pungent, sulfur-like, or off-putting smell, it has gone bad and should be thrown away
3. Visual Inspection
- Check the eggshell for cracks, sliminess, or powdery mold.
- After cracking, look for unusual discolorations inside the egg, such as black or brown spots (mold), or pink/iridescent hues in the whites or yolk, which indicate spoilage.
- Blood spots are safe and not a sign of spoilage.
- Runny or watery egg whites can indicate older eggs, which may still be safe but are of lower quality
4. Egg White Consistency
- Fresh eggs have firm whites.
- Watery whites suggest the egg is older; while not necessarily unsafe, caution is advised if the egg is past its expiration date or smells off
Additional Tips for Safety
- Always store eggs in the refrigerator.
- Use eggs within about 45 days from processing for best quality.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling eggs to avoid contamination
These methods combined provide a good way to determine if eggs are still good to eat. The float test is quick and effective, but combining it with smell and visual checks ensures safety and quality
