How to Tell If Eggs Are Good: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Eggs are a staple in many households, but how do you know when they’re no longer safe to eat? It can be difficult to tell if eggs are good or bad, as there are a few different factors to consider. This article will explore the various methods for determining if an egg is still good, so you can make sure you’re always eating fresh, safe eggs.

Check the Expiry Date

The first thing to check when determining if an egg is good or bad is the expiry date. According to the USDA, “Eggs can be safely consumed two to four weeks after the pack date” ¹. So, if the egg is past its expiry date, then it should not be eaten.

Look for Cracks in the Shell

Another way to tell if an egg is good or bad is to inspect the shell. A cracked egg may indicate that the egg is bad, as bacteria could have entered the egg through the crack. However, there are some instances where a cracked egg is still safe to eat. For instance, if the crack is only on the very top of the egg, then it should still be okay to consume ².

Hold the Egg up to a Light Source

Another way to determine if an egg is good or bad is to hold it up to a light source. If the egg is bad, then you may be able to see discoloration, lumps, or other abnormalities in the egg. You may also notice a strange odor coming from the egg, which is another sign that it should not be eaten ³.

Feel the Weight of the Egg

One more way to tell if an egg is good or bad is to feel its weight. A good egg will feel heavier than a bad egg, as the bad egg will contain less liquid inside. To test the weight of an egg, simply pick it up and compare it to another egg of the same size. If one feels significantly lighter than the other, then it is likely bad ⁴.

Place the Egg in a Bowl of Water

You can also tell if an egg is good or bad by placing it in a bowl of water. If the egg sinks to the bottom, then it is likely still good. However, if the egg floats to the top, then it is probably bad due to the build-up of gas in the egg ⁵.

Smell the Egg

Finally, you can also tell if an egg is good or bad by smelling it. A bad egg will have a distinct sulfuric odor, while a good egg should not have any odor at all. If you notice any strange smells coming from the egg, then it is likely bad and should be discarded ⁶.

Check the Yolk and White Consistency

In addition to all of the above methods, you can also tell if an egg is good or bad by looking at the consistency of the yolk and white. A good egg should have a firm, round yolk and thick, cloudy white. If the yolk and white are runny or watery, then the egg is likely bad ⁷.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to tell if an egg is good or bad. The most important thing to remember is to always check the expiry date before consuming any eggs. Additionally, you should look for cracks in the shell, hold the egg up to a light source, feel the weight of the egg, place it in a bowl of water, and smell the egg to determine if it is still safe to eat. By following these steps, you can make sure that you’re always eating fresh, safe eggs.