You can tell if an egg is bad using several simple tests:
1. Float Test
- Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the egg inside.
- If the egg sinks and lies flat on its side, it is fresh and safe to eat.
- If it sinks but stands upright on one end, it is still safe but less fresh.
- If the egg floats to the surface, it is too old and should be discarded
2. Sniff Test
- Smell the egg, either in the shell or after cracking it open.
- A bad egg emits a strong, rotten sulfur odor.
- If you detect this smell, the egg is spoiled and should be thrown out
3. Visual and Texture Inspection After Cracking
- Crack the egg onto a plate.
- A fresh egg has a firm, rounded yolk and thick, slightly opaque egg white that stays close to the yolk.
- An old or bad egg will have a flat yolk and watery, runny egg white that spreads out.
- Look for any discoloration such as pink or iridescent hues, which indicate bacterial growth and spoilage
4. Shake Test (Less Reliable)
- Hold the egg close to your ear and shake it gently.
- If you hear a sloshing sound, the egg may be old and watery inside.
- No sound usually indicates freshness, but this test is not as reliable as the float or sniff tests
Additional Tips
- Check the shell for cracks or a slimy/powdery surface, which can indicate contamination.
- Always consider the packing or sell-by date as an initial guide.
- When in doubt, crack the egg into a separate bowl to inspect before using it in recipes
In summary, the float test combined with a sniff and visual check after cracking the egg are the best ways to determine if an egg is bad. If an egg floats or smells foul, discard it. If it passes these tests but is older, it may still be safe for cooking methods like hard boiling
