You can tell if an egg is bad by performing a simple float test.
The Float Test:
According to the provided reference, here's how to conduct a float test to determine egg freshness:
- Prepare a glass of water: Fill a glass or bowl with enough water to submerge an egg.
- Gently place the egg in the water: Carefully lower the egg into the water.
- Observe the egg's behavior:
- Sinking Egg: If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat, it is good to use.
- Floating Egg: If the egg floats to the top, it is no good and should be tossed.
Why Does This Work?
As eggs age, they lose moisture through their porous shells. This moisture loss creates an air pocket inside the egg, making it more buoyant. The larger the air pocket, the more likely the egg will float, indicating it is old and potentially spoiled. Fresh eggs have smaller air pockets and will sink.
Additional Tips
- Smell Test: If you are unsure after the float test, crack the egg into a clean bowl and smell it. A bad egg will have a distinct, foul odor. Do not consume an egg that has a strange or unpleasant smell.
- Appearance: Look at the egg's appearance when you crack it open. If the white is very watery or the yolk is flat, it may indicate an older egg.
Summary Table
| Result of Float Test | Egg Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sinks to the bottom | Fresh and good | Safe to use |
| Floats to the top | Old and possibly bad | Discard immediately |
