You can tell if an egg is bad using several simple methods: 1. The Float
Test:
Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the egg in it.
- If the egg sinks and lies flat on its side, it is fresh and safe to eat.
- If it sinks but stands upright or tilts, it is still safe but not as fresh.
- If the egg floats to the top, it is old and should be discarded
2. The Sniff Test:
Smell the egg, either in the shell or after cracking it into a bowl. A bad egg
emits a strong, sulfurous, rotten odor. If you detect this smell, throw the
egg away
. 3. Visual and Texture Inspection After Cracking:
- A fresh egg has a firm, rounded yolk and thick, slightly opaque egg white that clings around the yolk.
- An older egg will have a flatter yolk and more watery, runny egg white.
- Discoloration such as pink, iridescent, or cloudy egg white or yolk indicates spoilage and the egg should be discarded
4. Shake Test:
Hold the egg close to your ear and gently shake it. If you hear a sloshing
sound, the yolk is likely watery and the egg is old or bad. No sound usually
means the egg is fresh
. 5. Shell Condition:
Check the shell for cracks, sliminess, or powdery coatings, which can indicate
bacterial or mold contamination. Such eggs should not be used
. Using these methods together helps ensure you only consume fresh and safe eggs. If in doubt, it is safest to discard the egg.
