Six Ways to Check Egg Freshness When They Don't Look Suspicious

Eggs can remain fresh for a considerable time when stored correctly, but they eventually lose their freshness and can spoil. Since spoilage is often not visible from the outside, knowing a few simple checks before cooking or baking is essential. If there's any doubt about an egg's freshness, it's safer to discard it than to risk health problems.

One of the most common methods to check freshness is the water test. Place an egg in a bowl of cold water. A fresh egg will typically sink and lie flat on the bottom. An older egg will stand more upright or even float. Floating indicates the egg is older due to an increasing air pocket inside the shell, but a final decision should be made after cracking it open and checking the smell and appearance.

Another reliable indicator is smell. An unpleasant, sulfurous odor is a sure sign that an egg is no longer edible. You'll usually notice this immediately upon cracking the egg, even if there were no visible external changes. If the smell is strange or distinctly off-putting, do not use the egg.

Visually inspecting the yolk and white also provides clues. A fresh egg usually has a round, firm yolk and a thick white that stays relatively close to the yolk. As an egg ages, the white becomes thinner and spreads out more on the plate, and the yolk may flatten or break easily. While these changes don't necessarily mean the egg is spoiled, they clearly indicate it's no longer at peak freshness.

Before cracking, examine the shell for cracks, slimy patches, unusual spots, or mold. A damaged shell allows microorganisms to enter more easily, posing a greater risk, especially if the duration of the damage is unknown. Eggs with significantly cracked or suspicious shells are best avoided. Gently shaking an egg near your ear can also offer a clue; you might hear or feel a slight 'sloshing' sound in older eggs as the contents lose some firmness. Finally, always check the expiration date on the packaging, but remember that proper refrigeration is key. Even if within the date, an egg with an unpleasant odor, unusual color, or suspicious appearance after cracking should not be consumed.