Who hasn’t ever wondered if that egg stored in the fridge was still safe to eat? It’s a common and totally understandable concern, after all, no one wants to risk consuming spoiled food.
The good news is that there are simple and effective methods to find out if an egg is still good. In this complete guide, you will learn practical techniques that can be done at home with materials you already have in your kitchen.
5 Foolproof Tests
1. The Float Test
The most reliable method to test the egg’s quality:
How to do it:
- Fill a glass with cold water
- Carefully place the egg in the water
Interpreting the results:
- Egg at the bottom and lying down = Fresh
- Egg at the bottom and standing up = Good, but use soon
- Egg floating = Discard
Professional tip: This test works because old eggs accumulate air inside the shell, making them lighter.
2. The Smell Test
Procedure:
- Crack the egg into a separate bowl
- Immediately observe the aroma
Warning signs:
- Strong smell
- Sulfur-like odor
- Sour smell
3. Visual Test
What to look for in the egg white:
- Firm consistency = Good
- Very watery = Older
- Spots or blemishes = Discard
What to look for in the yolk:
- Rounded and firm = Good
- Flattened or broken = Older
- Dark spots = Discard
4. The Shell Test
Important checks:
- Look for cracks
- Observe spots
- Check the texture
When to discard:
- Cracked shell
- Dark spots
- Abnormal texture
5. Expiry Date Check
Shelf life guide:
- Fresh eggs: 3-5 weeks in the refrigerator
- Boiled eggs: up to 1 week refrigerated
How to Store Eggs Properly
Ideal location:
- ✅ Middle of the fridge
- ❌ Refrigerator door
Correct positioning:
- Pointed end down
- Original packaging or egg container
- Constant temperature
Extra preservation tips:
- Avoid washing before storing
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
Boiled Eggs: Special Tips
How to identify good boiled eggs:
- Neutral smell
- Firm egg white
- Yolk without greenish spots
Boiled egg storage:
- Store in a closed container
- Keep refrigerated
- Consume within 7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the egg float when it is spoiled?
Old eggs accumulate air inside the shell through pores, making them lighter and causing them to float.
Can I use an egg that is close to its expiration date?
Yes, as long as it passes the quality tests mentioned above, especially the float test.
What does it mean when the egg yolk turns green after boiling?
The greenish coloration around the yolk occurs due to prolonged cooking and does not mean the egg is spoiled.
Can eggs with blood spots be consumed?
Yes, small blood spots are safe to eat as long as the egg passes the other quality tests.
Conclusion
Identifying if an egg is good doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the practical methods we’ve presented, you can quickly and safely check it. Remember: when in doubt, it’s better to be cautious and discard the egg.
The most important thing is to maintain good storage practices and always perform tests before use, especially in recipes using raw or lightly cooked eggs.
Image source:
