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How To Check If Eggs Are Good: Your Ultimate Guide

alicewalker April 24, 2025

Let’s face it—eggs are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. They’re versatile, packed with protein, and can turn any meal into something magical. But what happens when you pull out a carton of eggs from the fridge and wonder if they’re still good? Checking the freshness of eggs doesn’t have to be rocket science, but it’s definitely worth knowing how to do it right.

Whether you're whipping up a quick breakfast scramble or baking a decadent cake, using fresh eggs matters. Spoiled eggs not only ruin your dish but can also pose health risks. So, how exactly do you check if eggs are good? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide that’ll keep your meals safe and delicious.

From simple tricks to scientific methods, this article will break down everything you need to know about testing egg freshness. We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of egg quality, share some pro tips, and even throw in a few fun facts along the way. Ready to crack this mystery wide open? Let’s go!

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Why Checking Egg Freshness Matters

Before we jump into the methods, let’s talk about why checking if eggs are good is such a big deal. First off, eggs are perishable. Over time, they lose their quality, and if left unchecked, they can spoil. Consuming spoiled eggs can lead to foodborne illnesses like salmonella, which nobody wants to deal with. Plus, stale eggs just don’t perform as well in cooking and baking.

Now, here’s the kicker: eggs don’t always smell bad or look funky when they go bad. Sometimes, they can appear perfectly fine on the outside but still be unfit for consumption. That’s why having reliable methods to check their freshness is crucial.

The Float Test: A Quick and Easy Method

One of the most popular ways to check if eggs are good is the float test. This method uses water to determine the freshness of an egg based on its buoyancy. Here’s how it works:

Grab a bowl and fill it with cold water. Gently place the egg in the water and observe what happens:

If the egg sinks and lies flat on the bottom, it’s fresh and good to use.
If the egg stands upright but stays at the bottom, it’s still okay but might not be as fresh.
If the egg floats to the top, it’s time to toss it. Floating eggs usually indicate that air has built up inside the shell, which means they’ve gone bad.

Why does this work? As eggs age, the air pocket inside them grows larger, causing them to float. This simple trick is a lifesaver when you’re unsure about the quality of your eggs.

Pros and Cons of the Float Test

While the float test is quick and easy, it’s not foolproof. Here’s a breakdown of its advantages and limitations:

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Pros: No special tools required, and it’s a fast way to get a general idea of freshness.
Cons: It doesn’t tell you much about the internal quality of the egg, such as whether the yolk is intact or if there’s any bacteria present.

For a more thorough check, you might want to combine the float test with other methods.

Cracking the Shell: The Smell Test

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. The smell test is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to checking if eggs are good. Here’s what you do:

Crack the egg open in a separate bowl (never directly into your recipe). Take a sniff—if it smells foul or sulfuric, it’s spoiled. Fresh eggs should have little to no odor. If the egg smells slightly off but not overwhelmingly bad, it might still be usable, but proceed with caution.

Remember, your nose knows best. Trust your instincts when it comes to detecting spoilage.

What Causes Eggs to Smell Bad?

The smell of a spoiled egg is caused by the breakdown of proteins inside the egg. Bacteria produce gases like hydrogen sulfide, which give off that signature rotten egg smell. While this process is natural, it’s important to avoid consuming eggs that have reached this stage.

Inspecting the Shell: Look Before You Crack

Before you even crack an egg, take a moment to inspect its shell. Fresh eggs typically have smooth, unblemished shells. If you notice cracks, discoloration, or unusual textures, it could be a sign that the egg isn’t in its prime condition.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you evaluate the shell:

Check for cracks or chips. Even tiny cracks can allow bacteria to enter the egg.
Look for stains or mold. These could indicate contamination.
Feel the surface. A rough or pitted texture might mean the egg has absorbed moisture from the environment.

By paying attention to these details, you can catch potential issues early on.

Shining a Light: The Candle Test

Also known as candling, this method involves shining a bright light through the egg to examine its contents. Traditionally, candlelight was used, but nowadays, you can use a flashlight or even your phone’s flashlight feature.

Hold the egg up to the light and look for the following:

A clear and well-defined air pocket near the top indicates freshness.
A cloudy or murky appearance might mean the egg is starting to degrade.
Dark spots or floating debris could signal contamination.

Candling is especially useful for farmers and producers who want to ensure the quality of their eggs before selling them. For home cooks, it’s a handy trick to have in your arsenal.

Tools You Can Use for Candling

If you don’t have a dedicated egg candler, don’t panic. You can DIY it with items you already have at home:

A small flashlight or headlamp.
A smartphone flashlight app.
Even a bright desk lamp can work in a pinch.

The key is to create a focused beam of light that illuminates the interior of the egg without being too harsh on your eyes.

Checking the Yolk and White: Visual Inspection

Once you’ve cracked the egg, take a closer look at the yolk and white. Fresh eggs will have a firm, rounded yolk and thick, clear egg white. As eggs age, the yolk becomes flatter, and the white becomes more watery.

Here’s what to watch for:

Yolk: A bright yellow or orange yolk is a good sign. A pale or discolored yolk might indicate age or poor quality.
White: The egg white, or albumen, should be thick and gel-like. If it’s runny or thin, the egg may not be as fresh.

This visual inspection is particularly important for baking, where the structure of the egg plays a big role in the final product.

Understanding Egg Grading and Labels

When you buy eggs from the store, you might notice labels like “Grade A” or “Large.” These designations are part of the USDA’s grading system, which evaluates eggs based on their quality and size. Here’s a quick rundown:

Grades:

Grade AA: Highest quality, with firm yolks and thick whites.
Grade A: Still high-quality, but slightly less firm than Grade AA.
Grade B: Lower quality, often used in processed foods.

Sizes:

Peewee, Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large, Jumbo: These refer to the weight of the egg, not necessarily its freshness.

Understanding these labels can help you choose the right eggs for your needs and give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of quality.

How Long Do Eggs Last?

Eggs can last a surprisingly long time if stored properly. On average, fresh eggs will stay good for 3-5 weeks in the refrigerator. However, this timeline can vary depending on factors like storage conditions and the initial quality of the eggs.

To maximize shelf life, store eggs in their original carton and keep them in the coldest part of your fridge, not in the door where temperatures fluctuate.

Storing Eggs for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to keeping eggs fresh. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your egg supply:

Keep eggs in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally below 40°F (4°C).
Leave them in their original carton to protect them from odors and damage.
Avoid freezing whole eggs unless they’re beaten and mixed with a pinch of salt or sugar.

By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your eggs and reduce waste.

Fun Facts About Eggs

While we’re on the topic of eggs, here are a few fun facts to brighten your day:

Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, packed with vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein.
The color of the eggshell (white or brown) doesn’t affect the taste or quality of the egg—it’s determined by the breed of chicken.
Chickens lay about 300 eggs per year, making them some of the hardest-working animals in agriculture.

Who knew eggs were so fascinating? Next time you crack one open, take a moment to appreciate all the goodness inside.

Conclusion: Crack Open Confidence in the Kitchen

Checking if eggs are good doesn’t have to be complicated. With methods like the float test, smell test, and visual inspection, you can confidently assess the quality of your eggs and ensure they’re safe to eat. Remember, fresh eggs not only taste better but also perform better in cooking and baking.

So, the next time you’re standing in front of your fridge wondering if those eggs are still good, don’t hesitate to put these tips into action. And while you’re at it, why not share this article with your friends and family? After all, knowledge is power—and power tastes great with a side of scrambled eggs!