How to Tell if Eggs are Bad

The Float Test: Check if Eggs are Fresh or Expired

One of the easiest and most reliable ways to tell if an egg is good or bad is to perform a simple float test. All you need to do is fill a bowl or glass with water and gently place the egg in it. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it is still fresh and safe to eat. If the egg stands upright on the bottom or floats to the top, it is old and should be discarded.

The reason behind this test is that eggshells are porous and allow air to penetrate them over time, causing the air cell inside the egg to expand as the egg ages. Fresh eggs have a smaller air cell, which makes them denser and more likely to sink in water. Old eggs have a larger air cell, which makes them lighter and more likely to float.

It’s important to note that even if an egg floats, it may not necessarily be bad, but it is an indication that it is getting old and may not be as fresh as you would like it to be. If you have any doubts about the freshness of your eggs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard them.

The Smell Test: Detecting Rotten Eggs

Another easy way to tell if an egg is bad is to use your sense of smell. Rotten eggs have a distinct odor that is hard to miss, and it’s a sure sign that the egg is no longer safe to eat. To perform the smell test, simply hold the egg up to your nose and take a whiff. If you detect a foul, sulfur-like smell, the egg has gone bad and should be discarded.

The unpleasant smell of rotten eggs is caused by the breakdown of proteins in the egg white, which produces hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is responsible for the characteristic odor of rotten eggs and is a sign that harmful bacteria may be present in the egg.

It’s important to note that not all bad eggs will have a strong odor, especially if they are just beginning to spoil. If you are in doubt about the freshness of an egg, it’s always best to perform additional tests, such as the float test or crack test, to confirm its safety.

The Crack Test: Inspect the Eggshell for Signs of Spoilage

If you want to know whether an egg is bad before cracking it open, the crack test is a useful method. Simply hold the egg up to your ear and shake it gently. If you hear a sloshing sound, it’s likely that the egg is rotten and the contents have begun to decompose.

If you do decide to crack open an egg, you can also inspect the eggshell for signs of spoilage. A fresh egg will have a smooth, unbroken shell, while a bad egg may have cracks, stains, or an unusual texture. You may also notice a green or pink ring around the yolk of a bad egg, which is a sign of bacterial growth.

It’s important to note that not all bad eggs will have visible signs of spoilage, especially if they are just beginning to go bad. However, if you do notice any abnormalities in the appearance or texture of an egg, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

The Shake Test: Listening for Signs of Bad Eggs

The shake test is another quick and easy way to tell if an egg is bad. Simply hold the egg up to your ear and shake it gently. If you hear a sloshing sound, it’s an indication that the contents of the egg are moving freely and have begun to decompose.

When an egg is fresh, the contents of the egg, including the yolk and the white, stick together and do not move around freely. As the egg ages and begins to spoil, the proteins in the egg break down, and the contents of the egg become more liquid and move around freely.

It’s important to note that the shake test should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as the float test or crack test, to confirm whether an egg is bad or not. If you have any doubts about the freshness of an egg, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

The Candle Test: Using a Light to Spot Spoiled Eggs

The candle test is a traditional method for checking the quality and freshness of eggs. It involves holding a bright light, such as a flashlight or a candle, up to the egg to inspect it for any signs of spoilage.

To perform the candle test, hold the egg up to the light and examine it closely. A fresh egg will have a clear, bright yolk, and a transparent egg white. However, a bad egg will have a cloudy or opaque egg white, and the yolk may be flat and discolored. You may also see dark spots or veins inside the egg, which are a sign of bacterial growth.

The candle test works because the light shines through the egg and illuminates its contents, making it easier to spot any irregularities. It’s a useful method for checking a large number of eggs quickly, such as when you are sorting through a carton of eggs.

However, it’s important to note that the candle test may not detect all bad eggs, especially if they are just beginning to spoil. If you have any doubts about the freshness of an egg, it’s always best to use additional methods, such as the float test or the smell test, to confirm its safety.