Introduction
Eggs are a versatile and nutritious food that can be used in many different recipes. But like other foods, they can go bad and become unsafe to eat. Knowing how to identify bad eggs is important for ensuring your safety and avoiding food waste. In this article, we will explore how to tell if eggs are bad.
Check the Expiry Date
The first thing you should do when determining whether eggs are bad is to check the expiry date. Most egg cartons have an expiration date printed on them, which is usually stamped with a Julian date indicating the day of the year the eggs were packed. If the date has already passed, it’s best to discard the eggs.
According to the American Egg Board, “an unopened carton of eggs stored at a refrigerator temperature of 4°C (40°F) can remain safe and high quality for about four to five weeks beyond the pack date or about three weeks after purchase.” 1
Look for Cracks in the Shell
Another way to tell if eggs are bad is to look for cracks in the shell. If there are any cracks or holes in the shell, it means the egg has been compromised and is no longer safe to eat.
It’s also important to note that eggs with intact shells may still be bad. This is because bacteria can enter through tiny pores in the shell, even if there are no visible cracks. So it’s always best to inspect the egg closely before consuming it.
Smell the Egg
If you’re still unsure if an egg is bad, you can try smelling it. A bad egg will have a strong sulfuric odor, similar to rotten eggs. If the egg smells bad, it’s best to discard it.
It’s important to note that some fresh eggs may also have a faint sulfuric odor. This is normal and does not necessarily mean the egg is bad. However, if the odor is strong or unpleasant, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the egg.
Feel the Texture of the Egg
In addition to smelling the egg, you can also feel its texture. A bad egg will feel slippery or slimy, whereas a good egg will feel firm and dry. If the egg feels slippery or slimy, it’s best to discard it.
Float Test
Another way to tell if eggs are bad is to conduct a float test. To do this, fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the egg in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, it’s still good. But if the egg floats to the top, it’s best to discard it.
This is because as an egg ages, air pockets form within the shell and cause the egg to float. This indicates that the egg is no longer safe to eat.
Inspect the Yolk and White
Finally, you can inspect the yolk and white of the egg to determine if it’s bad. A bad egg will have a discolored or off-smelling yolk and/or white. If the yolk and white look off, it’s best to discard the egg.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to know how to tell if eggs are bad so that you can avoid food waste and ensure your safety. The most reliable ways to identify bad eggs are to check the expiry date, look for cracks in the shell, smell the egg, feel the texture, conduct a float test, and inspect the yolk and white.
By following these steps, you can confidently determine whether eggs are bad and take appropriate action.
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