To test an egg's freshness in water, place the egg in a bowl or glass of water and observe its behavior.
Here's how to interpret the results:
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Fresh Egg: If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, it's very fresh. This is because there's very little air inside the egg.
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Relatively Fresh Egg: If the egg sinks but stands on one end at the bottom of the bowl, it's still relatively fresh and good to use. A slightly larger air cell has formed, causing it to tilt.
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Old Egg: If the egg floats, it's old and should be discarded. This indicates a large air cell has developed inside, making the egg buoyant. The egg is likely spoiled due to the increased amount of air and potential bacterial growth. As the egg ages, moisture and carbon dioxide escape through the pores of the shell, and air enters to replace them.
In summary:
| Observation | Freshness Level | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sinks and Lies Flat | Very Fresh | Ideal for all uses |
| Sinks and Stands | Relatively Fresh | Good for most uses, use sooner rather than later |
| Floats | Old | Discard |
It's generally a good idea to use the freshest eggs possible when baking, as indicated in the reference.
