ADVERTISEMENT

5 ways to tell if an egg is fresh or rotten

ADVERTISEMENT

Why it works: While expiration dates can provide a general guideline, eggs may still be safe to eat for a week or two after the date if stored properly. Always check for other signs of spoilage just in case.

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends


4. The Shake Test:

Another quick method to check whether an egg is still good is the shake test. Fresh eggs will remain firm, while older eggs will move inside their shells.

How to do it:

  • Hold the egg up to your ear and gently shake it.
  • Fresh eggs: You won’t hear any movement when shaking the egg.
  • Older eggs: You will hear the contents sloshing around, indicating that the egg is no longer fresh.

Why it works: As eggs age, the egg white (albumen) becomes thinner and the egg yolk may shrink, creating more space inside the shell. This causes the sloshing sound when shaken.


5. The Crack and Look Test:

Sometimes, the easiest way to check if an egg is fresh is to crack it open and examine the egg white and yolk. Fresh eggs have specific qualities that are visible when cracked.

How to do it:

  • Crack the egg open onto a flat surface like a plate or bowl.
  • Fresh eggs: The egg white will be thick and will stay close to the yolk. The yolk will be round and firm, standing high.
  • Rotten eggs: The egg white will spread out more and be watery. The yolk will be flat and may break easily.

Why it works: Fresh eggs have a thick albumen (egg white) that holds its shape and keeps the yolk intact. Older eggs will have a thinner white, and the yolk will flatten as the egg breaks down.


Bonus Tip: Store Your Eggs Properly

To keep your eggs fresh for as long as possible, store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually near the back. Keeping eggs in their original carton will help prevent odors from other foods from permeating the eggs. It’s also a good idea to store eggs with the pointed side facing down, as this helps maintain the air pocket at the broad end, keeping the egg fresher for longer.

Conclusion

Knowing how to tell whether an egg is fresh or rotten is a valuable skill that can save you from consuming spoiled food. By using simple methods like the float test, sniff test, or checking the egg’s appearance, you can easily determine its freshness. Make sure to store eggs properly to extend their shelf life, and when in doubt, throw it out to avoid any foodborne illness. Always trust your senses and err on the side of caution when it comes to eggs.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your fresh eggs!