How to Tell If Eggs Are Still Good: Expiration Dates, Discoloration, and Float Test

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered if your eggs are still good enough to eat, then you’re not alone. Many people struggle with determining when eggs have gone bad or if they’re safe to consume. In this article, we’ll discuss different methods of testing your eggs to see if they’re still good, including checking the expiration date, looking for discoloration or cracks, conducting a smell test and float test, and cracking open the egg to inspect it.

Check the Expiration Date

The easiest way to determine whether an egg is still good is to check the expiration date. The expiration date is the date after which the egg should no longer be consumed, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The expiration date can usually be found on the carton or package in which the eggs were purchased.

In many cases, the expiration date will be printed as a “use by” or “sell by” date. These dates are typically listed in month/day/year format. For example, a carton of eggs may list the expiration date as 12/31/2021, meaning that the eggs should not be consumed after December 31, 2021. It’s important to note that the eggs should still be safe to eat up until the expiration date, but it’s best to use them before then.

If there is no expiration date listed on the carton or package, then the eggs should be used within three to five weeks of purchase. If the eggs are older than this, then they should be discarded.

Look for Discoloration or Cracks

Another way to tell if eggs are still good is to look for signs of discoloration or cracks. Fresh eggs should have a smooth, unblemished shell that is free of any discoloration or cracks. If the shell is cracked or discolored, then the egg should be discarded as it may be contaminated.

When inspecting the eggs, pay close attention to the color of the shell. Fresh eggs should have a light brown or white shell. If the shell is a darker brown, yellow, or green color, then the egg is likely no longer safe to eat.

Give It a Sniff Test

If the eggs pass the visual inspection, then it’s time to give them a sniff test. This is an easy way to tell if an egg is still good or not. Put your nose close to the egg and take a deep breath. If the egg smells fresh and normal, then it is likely still good. However, if the egg has a strong, unpleasant odor, then it should be discarded.

It’s important to note that some eggs may have a slight sulfur-like smell due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. This is perfectly normal and does not indicate that the egg is bad. If the egg has a more pungent smell, then it should be discarded.

Float Test

In addition to the sniff test, you can also conduct a float test to check the freshness of an egg. Fill a bowl or pot with cold water and carefully place the egg in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, then it is still fresh and safe to eat. However, if the egg floats to the top of the water or stands upright, then it is no longer good and should be thrown away.

This is because as an egg ages, air enters through the shell and the egg becomes less dense. As a result, it will float in the water rather than sink to the bottom.

Crack It Open and Inspect It

If you’re still unsure about the freshness of an egg, then the final step is to crack it open and inspect it. Carefully crack open the egg and examine the inside. A fresh egg should have a thick, clear, viscous egg white and a bright yellow yolk. If the egg white is thin and watery, or the yolk is dull and discolored, then the egg is no longer good and should be discarded.

Conclusion

Determining whether eggs are still good or not can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily tell if your eggs are still good. Remember to always check the expiration date, look for signs of discoloration or cracks, conduct a smell and float test, and inspect the inside of the egg before consuming.