Five Ways to Check if an Egg is Fresh

Using these methods can help ensure that your eggs are fresh and safe to eat!

1. The Water Test:

Fill a bowl or glass with water and gently place the egg in it.

Fresh Egg: Sinks and lays flat on the bottom.

Slightly Old Egg: Stands upright on the bottom or tilts.

Bad Egg: Floats to the surface.

2. The Sniff Test:

Crack the egg open and give it a sniff.

Fresh Egg: No smell or a very mild scent.

Bad Egg: Strong, unpleasant odor.

3. The Visual Inspection:

Look for any unusual discoloration or spots on the shell.

Fresh Egg: Clean, intact shell with no cracks or stains.

Bad Egg: Discoloration or a cracked shell may indicate spoilage.

4. The Shake Test:

Gently shake the egg near your ear.

Fresh Egg: No sound or a very faint sound (the contents are still solid).

Bad Egg: A sloshing sound indicates the egg has gone bad.

5. The Date Check:

Look for the sell-by or expiration date on the carton.

Fresh Egg: Generally, eggs can be good for 3-5 weeks past the sell-by date if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Bad Egg: If the date is significantly past or you are unsure, use the other tests to confirm freshness.