I. Introduction
Eggs are an essential ingredient in many recipes, but nothing is worse than finding out too late that the egg you just cracked was bad. Not only is the foul smell of rotten eggs unappetizing, but consuming spoiled eggs can also lead to food poisoning. That’s why it’s essential to know how to tell if an egg is bad. In this article, we’ll teach you six simple tests that you can use to determine if an egg has gone bad.
II. The Float Test
The float test is one of the easiest ways to tell if an egg is no longer fresh. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill a bowl with cold water.
- Gently place the egg in the bowl of water.
- Observe whether the egg sinks or floats.
If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it’s still fresh. If it sinks but stands upright or is standing on one end, it’s starting to get old. If the egg floats to the top, it has gone bad and should be disposed of immediately.
Interpreting the results of the float test may take a bit of practice. If you’re unsure whether the egg has gone bad, try cracking it into a separate bowl. Spoiled eggs will have a distinct odor and look off.
III. The Smell Test
The smell test may be the most effective way of determining if an egg is bad. Here’s how you can do it:
- Smell the egg.
A good egg should smell like nothing. If the egg smells slightly off, it’s starting to age. If it has a strong, foul odor, it’s gone bad, and you should get rid of it.
If you’re worried about the smell lingering on your hands, wash them thoroughly after handling the egg and dispose of it immediately in an outdoor trash bin.
IV. The Shake Test
The shake test is another easy way to tell if an egg has gone bad. Here’s how it works:
- Shake the egg near your ear.
If the egg makes no noise, it’s fresh. If you hear a sloshing sound, it’s gone bad. This is because, over time, the liquid inside an egg evaporates, and the air pocket grows larger. If an egg is bad, the space left by the evaporated liquid allows the contents of the egg to move around inside.
It’s worth noting that you should only trust the results of the shake test in combination with other tests since eggs may make noises due to factors like altitude.
V. The Look Test
The look test involves examining the egg’s external features for signs that it may have gone bad. Here’s what you need to do:
- Inspect the egg.
A fresh egg should have a clean, smooth surface with no cracks. If you see discoloration or mold on the shell or hairline cracks, the egg has gone bad and should be discarded.
It’s worth noting that in some cases, the abnormalities you observe may not be a sign that the egg has gone bad. For example, some eggs may have spots on the shell or slightly rough surfaces, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unsafe to eat. Still, when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
VI. The Candle Test
The candle test involves holding an egg up to a bright light source to examine its internal features. Here’s how the candle test works:
- Hold the egg up to a bright light source.
If the yolk and egg white are clearly visible and have a consistent color and no blood spots, the egg is fresh. If you see cloudy whites or irregularities in the yolk or the dark spots called blood spots, the egg has gone bad and should be discarded.
It’s worth noting that eggs with blood spots are still technically safe to eat, but they might not look as appealing. You can scoop the blood spot out with a spoon if you choose to use the egg.
VI. Conclusion
You should now have six simple ways to tell if an egg has gone bad. The good news is that most of these tests are easy to perform from the comfort of your home. For the highest accuracy, we recommend using multiple tests in combination, especially if the quality of the egg is questionable.
Finally, it’s essential to store eggs properly to ensure they remain fresh for longer. For best results, store eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of your refrigerator, where temperatures are typically between 35°F and 40°F.
