When it comes to cooking with eggs, knowing how to tell if an egg is bad is important to keep you and your family safe. Eggs can last a while in the fridge, but sometimes it’s tricky to know if they’re still fresh. A bad egg can spoil your recipe and might even cause food poisoning. So, let’s make sure you know the best and easiest ways to tell if an egg has gone bad.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple and easy tests to check your eggs before you crack them open. Whether you’ve had eggs in your fridge for a week or a month, these tips will help you figure out if it’s safe to use them or if it’s time to toss them out.
How to Tell If an Egg is Bad: The Float Test
The float test is one of the simplest and most effective ways to determine if an egg is bad. How to tell if an egg is bad by floating involves placing the egg in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lie flat on their side. As eggs age, they take in air, which causes the air pocket inside to grow larger.
A floating egg means it’s past its prime. This happens because older eggs have a larger air pocket that causes them to float to the top. If your egg floats, it’s better to throw it out and avoid using it in recipes. The float test is easy to do, and it’s a quick way to check your eggs before cooking.
How to Tell If an Egg is Bad: The Smell Test
Sometimes, how to tell if an egg is bad is as simple as giving it a quick sniff. After cracking open an egg, the smell will be your biggest clue. Fresh eggs usually have no odor at all. However, a rotten egg has a very strong, unpleasant smell due to the sulfur released from the decaying egg white and yolk.
If you notice a bad odor when you crack the egg, don’t use it. The smell is a clear sign the egg is spoiled. Even if you can’t smell anything while it’s still in the shell, always check the egg once it’s cracked open. It’s an easy way to avoid using eggs that are no longer safe to eat.
How to Tell If an Egg is Bad by Its Appearance
In addition to the float and smell tests, you can also look for certain visual signs to tell if an egg is bad. After cracking an egg, check its appearance carefully. How to tell if an egg is bad by appearance includes looking at the egg white and yolk. If the egg white is runny and watery or if the yolk is broken and spreads easily, it may be a sign that the egg is old.
Sometimes, a bad egg might have a pink or green tint to it. This is caused by bacterial growth, and it means the egg should be discarded immediately. If there are any unusual spots or discoloration in the egg white or yolk, it’s also best not to use it.
How to Tell If an Egg is Bad: The Expiration Date
While eggs can last for several weeks after their sell-by date, it’s always helpful to check the expiration date to understand how to tell if an egg is bad. This date is a general guideline but not an absolute rule. Eggs that are past their expiration date may still be good if stored properly, but it’s always a good idea to check the egg using the methods above to ensure it’s still fresh.
Expiration dates are useful to have in mind, but don’t solely rely on them. Eggs can sometimes last a few days beyond the date listed on the carton. However, eggs that are very old should be tested more carefully using the float test or smell test before you use them in recipes.
Subheading (H3): Why Checking the Expiration Date is Important
- Eggs older than the expiration date should be checked thoroughly.
- If eggs are stored incorrectly (at room temperature, for example), they may go bad quicker than the expiration date suggests.
- Always store eggs in the coldest part of your fridge to keep them fresh for longer.
How to Tell If an Egg is Bad: Storing Eggs Correctly
Proper egg storage is key to ensuring they stay fresh for as long as possible. How to tell if an egg is bad also depends on how well you’ve stored your eggs. Eggs should always be kept in their carton in the coldest part of your refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and reduces the chances of spoilage.
The fridge door is not an ideal place for eggs because it experiences temperature changes. Keep your eggs in the main body of the fridge, where the temperature remains steady. When you store eggs correctly, they can last up to three weeks, sometimes even longer if stored properly.
Subheading (H3): Best Practices for Storing Eggs
- Store eggs in the original carton to prevent odors from other foods.
- Keep eggs in the back of the fridge for more consistent temperatures.
- Avoid storing eggs in the fridge door to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell if an egg is bad is really important, so you can avoid getting sick and ruining your recipes. Simple tests like the float test, smell test, and checking the egg’s appearance can help you figure out if the egg is still good to use. Always trust your senses—if the egg smells bad or looks strange, it’s best to throw it out.
Also, make sure you store your eggs properly in the coldest part of your fridge. Keeping them in their original carton will help them last longer and stay fresh. Even if an egg is past its expiration date, it might still be good, but always double-check with the easy tests before you cook with it.
FAQs:
Q: What are the signs that an egg has gone bad?
A: You can check by floating it in water, smelling it after cracking, or looking for any weird spots or color changes.
Q: What if my egg floats but doesn’t smell bad?
A: If the egg floats, it’s best to throw it out, even if it doesn’t smell bad. Floating usually means the egg is old and may be unsafe.
Q: Can eggs last past the expiration date?
A: Yes, eggs can last a few days past the expiration date if they’ve been stored properly. Always do the tests to make sure they’re still good.
Q: What’s the best way to store eggs?
A: Store eggs in their carton in the coldest part of the fridge, not in the door, to keep them fresh longer.
Q: How can I tell if the egg yolk is bad?
A: If the yolk is broken or the egg looks runny and watery, it’s best not to use it.
