You can tell if an egg is bad using several simple methods: 1. Sniff Test:
- Crack the egg open onto a clean plate or bowl and smell it. A bad egg will have a distinct, unpleasant sulfuric or rotten odor. If it smells off, discard it immediately
2. Visual Inspection:
- Check the shell for cracks, sliminess, or a powdery coating, which can indicate bacterial or mold contamination.
- After cracking, look for discoloration in the yolk or whites, such as pink or iridescent hues, which suggest bacterial growth. Also, watery or runny whites can indicate an old egg
3. Float Test:
- Place the egg gently in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lies flat, it is fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it is older. This happens because the air pocket inside the egg enlarges over time. However, floating eggs can sometimes still be safe, so this test alone is not definitive for spoilage
4. Shake Test:
- Hold the egg up to your ear and shake it gently. If you hear liquid sloshing inside, the egg is likely old and the yolk or white has deteriorated. No sound usually means the egg is fresher. Note that this test is less reliable than others
Safety Tips:
- Always wash hands and surfaces after handling eggs.
- Store eggs in the refrigerator and cook them thoroughly (until whites and yolks are firm) to reduce risk of foodborne illness
In summary, the most reliable way to tell if an egg is bad is to crack it open and check for off smells or unusual appearance. The float test and shake test can help gauge freshness but are not foolproof indicators of spoilage
