Eggs are a staple food item in most kitchens around the world. They are versatile and affordable, making them an ideal ingredient for many dishes.

However, if you don’t store your eggs properly or use them within a reasonable time frame, they can go bad, and consuming spoiled eggs can lead to health problems such as food poisoning.

In this article, we will explore five tests you can do to check whether your eggs are fresh or spoiled.

Test 1: The Smell Test

The easiest way to tell if an egg has gone bad is by using your sense of smell. A fresh egg has virtually no odor, while a spoiled egg will have a distinctive, unpleasant smell.

So, to perform the smell test, hold the egg close to your nose and sniff it. If the egg has a sulfuric or rotten smell, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.

Test 2: The Shake Test

The shake test is another simple test that you can do to check if an egg is fresh or spoiled.

All you need to do is hold the egg and shake it gently. If you hear a sloshing sound, it could mean that the egg white and the yolk have separated and the egg is past its prime.

On the other hand, if the egg doesn’t make any noise, it is most likely fresh.

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Test 3: The Float Test

The float test is a reliable method for checking if an egg is fresh or not. This test works because as an egg ages, the air cell inside it becomes larger.

To do the float test, fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg in it. If the egg sinks to the bottom and stays there, it is fresh. If the egg floats to the top, it is no longer fresh and should be discarded.

Test 4: The Crack Test

The crack test is an easy way to check if an egg is fresh or not. Simply crack the egg open onto a plate or into a bowl.

If the egg white is firm and the yolk is round and high, the egg is fresh. If the egg white is runny and the yolk is flat and wide, the egg is likely past its prime and should not be consumed.

Test 5: The Candle Test

The candle test is a traditional method of checking if an egg is fresh or bad. In this method, a bright light is held next to the egg to see if there are any defects in the eggshell or to check if the egg is fertilized.

To perform the candle test, turn off the lights in a dark room and hold the egg up to a bright light such as a flashlight. If you can see through the egg, it is fresh.

If the egg appears opaque, it is likely that it has started to spoil and should be discarded.

Conclusion

Consuming a spoiled egg can lead to health problems, so it is important to know how to tell if an egg is fresh or not. By performing one or more of these tests, you can quickly and easily check if your eggs are good for consumption.