Are you tired of cracking your eggs only to find they’re past their prime? Don’t worry, we’ll help you! In this blog post, we’ll share some simple and foolproof ways to tell if your eggs are fresh before you start cooking them.
1. Check the expiration date
The easiest way to determine if an egg is fresh is to check the expiration date on the carton. Most egg cartons are printed with a “Sell by” or “Use by” date. If it is past its expiration date, it is best to throw away the eggs to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
2. Floating test
A common method of testing the freshness of eggs is the float test. Just fill the bowl with water and gently drop the eggs in. If the egg sinks to the bottom and is flat on its side, it is fresh. If it stands upright on the bottom or floats on the top, it is no longer fresh and should be discarded.
3. Shake eggs
Another way to tell if an egg is fresh is to shake it gently. Fresh eggs make almost no sound when shaken, while aged eggs make a sloshing sound because of the increased pockets of air inside.
4. Check the shell
Checking the shell of an egg can also give you clues about the freshness of the egg. Fresh eggs will have a clean and smooth shell, while older eggs may have a rough or powdery shell. Cracked or leaking eggs should be discarded immediately.
5. Smell test
Finally, if you’re still unsure about the freshness of your eggs, you can rely on your sense of smell. Fresh eggs should have almost no odor, while spoiled eggs will have a strong unpleasant odor.
FAQ
Can you still eat floating eggs?
If it sinks or sits at the bottom, it’s still fresh. An old egg either stands or floats. The flotation test works because as the egg ages, air collects inside it, increasing its buoyancy. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), floating eggs may still be safe to eat.
Is the floating egg test accurate?
The theory is that as the egg ages, air pockets inside it grow larger, allowing an old egg to float to the surface. But, according to Dr. Schaffner, “the floating egg test has no scientific basis.” Therefore, experimenting to see if an egg sinks or swims is not a reliable way to measure egg quality.
Is the egg okay in the water?
To perform the float test, place the egg gently into a bowl or bucket. If the egg sinks, it’s fresh. If it slopes upward, or even floats, it’s old. This is because as the egg ages, the small air sacs inside it grow larger with the release of water and are replaced by air.
Can I eat eggs that are two months out of date?
Eggs are a delicious and nutritious source of protein. While each carton of eggs is labeled with an expiration date, if stored properly at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, they should be safe to eat for longer – usually two to three weeks after the expiration date.
Do eggs go bad in the fridge?
Eggs can be refrigerated for three to five weeks from the day they are placed in the refrigerator. The “expiration date” usually expires during this time, but the eggs are perfectly safe to use. Be sure to purchase eggs before the “sell by” or EXP (expiration) date on the egg package.
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