Introduction

Eggs are a staple food for many of us and one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. However, figuring out whether an egg is fresh and safe to eat can be a bit of a guessing game, even for the most experienced cooks. In this article, we’ll teach you six easy ways to test if your eggs are good, so you can be confident that you’re using fresh, safe-to-eat eggs every time.

The Float Test

The float test is one of the easiest and most popular ways to check if an egg is fresh. Here’s how:

1. Fill a bowl with cold water.
2. Gently place an egg in the bowl.
3. If the egg sinks to the bottom and stays there, it’s fresh.
4. If the egg stands upright on the bottom or floats to the top, it may still be good, but it’s not as fresh as it could be.
5. If the egg floats on the surface, it’s no longer fresh and should be discarded.

The Shake Test

The shake test is another simple method for determining the freshness of an egg. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold the egg close to your ear and shake it gently.
2. If the egg doesn’t make any noise, it’s fresh.
3. If you hear a sloshing sound, the egg is old and should be used soon.

When an egg is fresh, the air cell inside is small, and the egg white and yolk are firmly attached to the membrane that lines the inside of the shell. As the egg ages, the air cell gets larger, causing the egg to make a sloshing sound when shaken.

The Cracking Test

Cracking an egg open is a foolproof way to check if it’s fresh. Here’s what to look for when you crack it:

1. The egg white should be thick and cloudy, spreading outwards as soon it hits the pan or plate.
2. The yolk should be round and plump with a visible outline.
3. The chalaza (think of two white cords you see when you crack open an egg) should be noticeable but not excessive.
4. If the egg white is watery and the yolk is flat and spread out, the egg is old.
5. If you see green or grey spots, the egg is old and should not be used.

The Smell Test

It might not sound very appetizing, but smelling an egg is another way to determine its freshness. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold the egg up to your nose and take a sniff.
2. If the egg smells fresh and has no odor, it’s good to use.
3. If it smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, throw it away.

The smell comes from hydrogen sulfide, which is produced when bacteria break down the egg’s proteins. If you smell this, it means the egg has gone bad and should not be eaten.

The Look Test

Visual inspection can reveal a lot about the condition of an egg. Here’s what to look for:

1. The eggshell should be clean and free of cracks or other damage.
2. The yolk should be centered and round, not flattened or off to one side.
3. The white should be clear and gel-like, not runny or watery.
4. If you see blood spots or cloudiness in the egg white, the egg is old and should not be used.

The Date Test

The date test is more of a guideline than a test, but it’s still a useful tool to help you determine if an egg is fresh. Here’s what to do:

1. Look at the carton the eggs came in to find the sell-by or expiration date.
2. Eggs are generally good for 3-4 weeks after the sell-by date.
3. If the sell-by date has passed, the egg may still be good if it passes one of the other tests we’ve described.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to test if your eggs are good, you never have to worry about using old or bad eggs again. Remember, not all methods may work for you, so it’s best to try a few and see which one you’re most comfortable with. The float test, shake test, cracking test, smell test, look test, and date test can all help ensure you’re using fresh and safe-to-eat eggs in all your recipes.

By following these simple tips, you can be confident that your eggs are fresh and delicious every time.