You can test if eggs are good or bad using several simple methods: 1. 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 it sinks but stands upright on one end, it is still safe to eat but older.
- If the egg floats, it is old and should be discarded because the air pocket inside has grown large enough to make it buoyant
2. Sniff Test
- Crack the egg open onto a clean plate or bowl and smell it.
- A fresh egg will have little to no odor.
- A bad egg will have a distinct, unpleasant sulfur-like smell, indicating spoilage
3. Visual Inspection
- Check the shell for cracks, sliminess, or powdery mold. Any of these indicate the egg may be unsafe.
- After cracking, look at the egg white and yolk. Discoloration like pink or iridescent hues suggests bacterial growth and the egg should be discarded.
- Runny egg whites indicate the egg is old but not necessarily bad
Additional Tips
- Always wash hands and surfaces after handling eggs.
- Store eggs in the refrigerator and cook thoroughly to at least 160°F (71°C) to kill bacteria
These methods combined can reliably help you determine if eggs are still good to eat. The float test is popular and easy, but the sniff and visual checks are crucial for safety
