Introduction

Whether it’s for baking, frying, or boiling, eggs are a staple in many households. However, one common problem that many people face when dealing with eggs is knowing when they are bad. Consuming bad eggs can lead to health risks, which is why it is important to know how to tell if eggs are bad.

Use-by Dates

Use-by dates are the manufacturer’s recommendation for the last date on which the eggs should be consumed. They can usually be found stamped on the egg carton. It is recommended not to consume eggs that have passed the use-by date as they may be unsafe to eat. However, if the eggs have only just passed their use-by date, they can still be used for baking or other cooking purposes.

Visual Cues

Inspecting the egg visually is one of the easiest ways to tell if an egg has gone bad. A fresh egg has a white or slightly cloudy yolk, and the egg white should not be watery. Signs of a bad egg include discoloration or speckles on the eggshell, or cracks in the shell. Additionally, if the egg smells bad or has an off odor, it may be bad.

The Water Test

The water test is a simple and effective way to check if an egg is still fresh. To perform the water test, fill a glass with water and gently place the egg in it. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies horizontally, it is still fresh. If the egg stands upright on the bottom, but the fat end is pointing upwards, it is a bit older but still good to eat. However, if the egg floats on the surface of the water, it is bad and should be discarded.

Smell

The sense of smell is one of the most reliable ways to detect if an egg has gone bad. Fresh eggs have little to no odor, while bad eggs may have an unpleasant, sulfurous smell. When sniffing the egg, be cautious as the odor can be quite strong and unpleasant.

Cracking

Cracking an egg is another simple way to check its freshness. A fresh egg will have a thick white and a compact yolk that stays together. An egg that has gone bad will have a runny white, and the yolk may break easily. Additionally, it may have an off smell or discoloration. If a bad egg is found upon cracking, it should be thrown away immediately and the cooking surface should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.

Conclusion

With these simple methods, you can determine whether the eggs in your fridge are good or bad. Following these tips will help ensure that the eggs you consume are safe and fresh. Additionally, it’s important to store eggs in the refrigerator and only purchase from reliable sources. Remember that expired or spoiled eggs can cause foodborne illness, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.