If eggs sink in water, they are generally good and fresh. Fresh eggs tend to sink and lay flat on the bottom of a container of cold water, indicating they have little to no air inside. Eggs that float are likely older and have developed larger air pockets inside, which indicates they may be stale or spoiled and should be discarded. If an egg stands upright on the bottom, it is still safe to eat but is aging and best used soon or for baking. This "sink or float" test works because as eggs age, water inside the shell evaporates and is replaced by air, making the egg less dense and more buoyant. Breaking the egg open to check for bad odor or unusual appearance is a good final check before eating. In summary:
- Egg sinks flat on bottom: fresh and good to eat
- Egg sinks but stands upright: still good but aging
- Egg floats: likely stale or bad and should be discarded
So, if eggs sink, they are generally good to eat.
