Keen to create an egg-based meal, but not sure if the eggs you have are still good to eat? Here are some foolproof ways to tell if an egg is fresh.
Whole eggs last several weeks in the fridge. Eggs that are older could still be OK to eat – but eggs that are too old could make you sick. If you’re not sure how old your eggs are, here are some easy ways to check. And remember, it pays to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety, so: if in doubt, throw it out.
The Float Test
One of the most popular methods for testing egg freshness is the float test. Simply place the egg in a bowl of water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, it’s fresh. If it stands up on one end, it’s still okay to eat, but it’s not as fresh as it could be. If the egg floats to the top, it’s best to discard it.
The Shake Test
Another simple way to test egg freshness is the shake test. Hold the egg up to your ear and shake it gently. If you hear a sloshing sound, it’s not fresh. If you don’t hear anything, it’s fresh.
The Crack Test
You can test egg freshness by cracking the egg open. A fresh egg will have a thick, viscous white and a round, plump yolk that sits high in the centre. An older egg will have a thinner, runnier white and a flatter yolk that spreads out more. If you smell a sulfurous aroma, or the colour of the egg looks off (greenish) it’s best to discard it.
In the world of cooking, the freshness of ingredients plays a crucial role in the final outcome of a dish. When it comes to eggs, their freshness can make a significant difference in taste, texture, and overall quality. Testing the freshness of an egg is a skill that every home cook should possess, as it allows you to ensure that you are using the best ingredients in your culinary creations.