You can tell if eggs are still good using several simple methods:
Water (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 very fresh and safe to eat.
- If the egg sinks but stands upright on one end , it is still safe but not as fresh.
- If the egg floats to the surface , it is too old and should be discarded
This test works because eggshells are porous, allowing air to enter over time. The more air inside, the more buoyant the egg becomes
Sniff Test
- Crack the egg open and smell it.
- A fresh egg has little to no odor.
- A bad egg emits a strong sulfur or rotten smell and should be discarded immediately
Visual and Texture Inspection
- Crack the egg onto a flat surface.
- A fresh egg has a plump, rounded yolk and thick, slightly opaque egg white that doesn’t spread much.
- An older egg’s yolk will be flatter and the white watery and runny.
- Look for any discoloration or spots inside the egg; dark spots may be blood and safe, but black or green mold indicates spoilage
Additional Tips
- Shake the egg gently; if you hear sloshing, the yolk may be watery and the egg older
- Check the shell for cracks or sliminess, which can indicate contamination
Using these methods together gives a reliable indication of whether eggs are still good to eat. The water test is the easiest non-invasive way, while cracking and sniffing provides confirmation if you’re unsure
