How to Know If an Egg is Bad: Tips and Tests
Eggs are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in many recipes. However, using a bad egg can ruin your dish and even affect your health. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to spot a bad egg before cracking it open. In this article, we will cover five tests you can use to check if an egg is fresh or spoiled: the float test, smell test, look test, expiration date, shake test, and candling.
The Float Test
The float test is a simple and effective method to check if an egg is fresh or spoiled. To perform this test, fill a bowl with cold water and place the egg in the water.
If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it is fresh and safe to eat. If the egg sinks but stands upright on the bottom or floats at the top, it is not fresh and should be discarded.
The science behind the float test is that as an egg ages, the air cell within it gets larger. This makes it more buoyant and causes it to float.
Smell Test
The smell test is another way to determine if an egg is bad. It’s also the most straightforward test as it only requires you to use your sense of smell. Hold the egg up to your nose and give it a whiff.
If the egg smells fresh, it is safe to use. However, if it has a sulfuric or rotten odor, it is spoiled and should be thrown away.
Other odors to look out for include mustiness, yeastiness, or any strange or unusual smell.
Look Test
The look test is a quick and easy way to identify bad eggs based on their appearance. When inspecting the egg, pay attention to the shell, yolk, and white.
On the shell, look for cracks, discoloration, or any signs of mold. In the yolk, look for a flattened or thinned appearance. An egg white with an odd texture or a cloudy appearance is also a sign of spoilage.
Expiration Date
The expiration date on an egg carton indicates the last date by which the eggs should be consumed. It’s an important determinant of whether an egg is still good to use or not.
To read the expiration date, look for a three-digit number stamped onto the carton. The first number represents the day of the year, and the next two numbers indicate the year. For example, if the number reads 365/21, it means the eggs should be consumed by the 365th day of the year 2021.
Always check the expiration date before using eggs and discard any past their expiration date. It’s an easy way to ensure the eggs you use are safe to eat.
Shake Test
The shake test is a method to determine if an egg is bad based on the sound it makes. Hold the egg up to your ear and shake it gently.
If you hear a sloshing sound, it means the contents inside the egg have separated and the egg is not fresh. If you don’t hear anything, the egg is safe to use.
It’s important to note that the shake test should not be used as the only method to determine if an egg is bad.
Candling
Candling is a process that involves shining a bright light through the eggshell to inspect the inside of the egg for any defects or signs of spoilage.
To candle an egg, hold it up to a bright light source, such as a lamp or flashlight. Look for any visible defects, such as blood spots or cracks. If the egg appears cloudy or has a strange shape, it may be bad.
Candling is a useful method for identifying bad eggs, particularly for those who raise their chickens or buy farm-fresh eggs.
Conclusion
Now that you know five ways to determine if an egg is bad, you can use this knowledge to avoid using spoiled eggs in your cooking and baking. To recap, the float, smell, look, expiration date, shake, and candling tests are all effective methods for checking for egg freshness. Always use fresh eggs to ensure the safety and quality of your meals.
Remember to never consume an egg that you suspect is bad, as it can lead to foodborne illness. Check your eggs before using them and discard any that show signs of spoilage.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy delicious and healthy eggs without any worry.
