How To Tell If Eggs Are Bad: 3 Simple Methods

Eggs, a common kitchen essential, play a crucial role in a wide array of recipes from savory omelets to decadent cakes or simple salads. With their versatility and rich nutritional profile, eggs are a popular choice for many culinary creations. 

However, being a perishable item, eggs can deteriorate if not stored correctly, risking both food safety and flavor. It is important to be able to recognize signs of spoilage in eggs to avoid potential health risks. 

Thankfully, there are several easy and reliable ways to determine if an egg has turned bad, ensuring that you steer clear of consuming anything that might cause illness. 

Explore the following three simple methods to help you discern whether your eggs are still fresh and safe for consumption.

1. The Float Test

One of the oldest and most reliable ways to check if an egg has gone bad is the float test. As eggs age, the amount of air inside them increases. This makes them lighter, and eventually, they’ll float when submerged in water. Here’s how to do it:

How to Perform the Float Test:

• Fill a bowl or glass with enough cold water to completely submerge the egg.
• Gently place the egg in the water and observe its behavior.

Results:

• Fresh Egg: If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it’s fresh and good to eat.
• Slightly Older Egg: If the egg sinks but stands upright or tilts slightly, it’s still safe to eat but should be consumed soon. This egg is likely a week or two old.
• Bad Egg: If the egg floats to the surface, it’s no longer safe to eat and should be discarded immediately.

The float test is a quick and easy way to check egg freshness without cracking it open. It’s not always foolproof, but it’s one of the best methods for assessing whether an egg has passed its prime.

2. The Sniff Test

Your sense of smell is one of the most powerful tools for determining if an egg has spoiled. Spoiled eggs emit a distinct sulfur-like odor that is unmistakable and unpleasant.

How to Perform the Sniff Test:

• Crack the egg open into a clean bowl.
• Immediately smell the egg for any strong or unusual odors.

Results:

• Fresh Egg: A fresh egg will have little to no smell. At most, it may have a neutral, slightly earthy scent.
• Bad Egg: If the egg smells foul, rotten, or sulfurous, it’s a clear indicator that it has gone bad and should be discarded.

The sniff test is an almost foolproof method, as the smell of a rotten egg is hard to miss. However, it does require cracking the egg open, which can result in contamination if the egg is indeed bad. Always make sure to perform this test over a clean surface and discard the egg immediately if it smells off.

3. The Visual Inspection

Another simple way to assess an egg’s freshness is by giving it a quick visual inspection. This method involves checking both the shell and the contents of the egg once it’s cracked open.

How to Perform a Visual Inspection:

• Examine the egg’s shell for any visible signs of damage, mold, or discoloration.
• Once cracked open, observe the egg white and yolk.

Results:

• Fresh Egg: The shell should be clean and free from any cracks, mold, or powdery substances. When cracked open, the yolk should be round and slightly domed, while the egg white should be thick and stay close to the yolk.
• Bad Egg: If the shell has cracks, mold, or appears slimy, it’s a sign of spoilage. Inside, if the egg white is watery and spreads out too much, or if the yolk is flat or discolored (such as turning pink or green), the egg is bad and should not be consumed.

While the visual test is handy, it’s best combined with the sniff test for a more accurate assessment.

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