5 Easy Ways to Check If Your Eggs Are Fresh or Bad
Wondering how to tell if eggs are bad? Discover 5 simple and reliable methods, including the float test and sniff test, to check if your eggs are fresh or expired!
There are a few easy ways to check if eggs have gone bad. Here are the most common methods:
1. The Float Test
- Fill a bowl or glass with water.
- Gently place the egg in the water.
- Fresh egg: Sinks and lies flat on its side.
- Slightly older egg: Sinks but stands upright or tilts. (Still safe to eat but use soon.)
- Bad egg: Floats to the top. (Air pockets form as the egg ages, causing it to float.)
2. Sniff Test
- Crack the egg into a bowl.
- If it smells foul or sulfur-like, it’s bad. Fresh eggs shouldn’t have a noticeable odor.
3. Visual Inspection
- Look for any unusual discoloration, such as pink, green, or black spots. This could indicate mold or bacterial growth.
- If the whites are runny or the yolk is discolored (grayish or dull), it might be bad.
4. Shake Test (Less reliable)
- Hold the egg close to your ear and shake it.
- If you hear a sloshing sound, it might be bad, as the egg white and yolk are more liquified in old eggs.
5. Check the Expiry Date
- Check the date on the carton. Eggs are typically safe to eat for a few weeks past the sell-by date if they’ve been stored properly.
Storage Tip:
- Store eggs in the refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) or below to maximize their shelf life.
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