How do you know if an egg is good?
In short. Check the shell (clean, no cracks), the smell (no suspicious odors), do the glass of cold water test (a fresh egg sinks and stays flat), then crack it into a small ramekin to judge the appearance. When in doubt, throw it out—safety first.
Supplies
- 1 egg to test
- Cold water
Tools
- Clear glass or bowl
- Small ramekin
- (Option) Lamp/flash for aiming
Duration & level
Total duration: ~5 min • Level: easy
Steps
- Inspect the shell — If the shell is cracked, very dirty, or sticky , do not eat the egg. A clean, intact shell is a good first sign. Avoid washing the egg before storage (this removes the thin natural protection); if necessary, rinse quickly just before use and dry.
- Smell — Bring the egg close to your nose: no unpleasant odor should be released. A strong/sulfurous odor = throw the egg away.
-
Glass of Water Test — Fill a glass with cold water and immerse the egg:
- Sinks and stays flat on the bottom: very fresh.
- Sinks but straightens (points upwards): still edible, but less fresh.
- Rise and float: throw the egg.
-
Open in a ramekin — Crack the egg separately (not directly onto the mixture).
- White : should remain relatively thick around the yolk (not completely liquid which spreads far).
- Yellow : rounded, membrane intact.
- Odor : neutral. Any suspicious odor = throw it away.
- (Option) Candle the egg — Place the egg in front of a lamp in a dark room: a very large air pocket or visible anomalies indicate an old egg → apply the water test + opening in a ramekin to decide.
Tips & hygiene
- Store eggs in a cool place, in their carton, point down, away from odors.
- Avoids repeated thermal shocks (exiting/entering the fridge in a loop).
- Never put pieces of shell back into the preparation; wash your hands after handling.
- If in doubt, discard the egg or cook it thoroughly (well-cooked dish).
- Sensitive populations (pregnant women, infants, elderly people): favor well-cooked eggs.
FAQ
What does the date on the box mean?
The "best before" date is an indication of quality ; after this date, check the smell, appearance, and test the water. Always follow local regulations and good hygiene practices.
Can I wash an egg?
Avoid washing before storage (this removes the natural protection). If necessary, rinse quickly just before use and then dry.
A small red dot in the egg, is it serious?
A small red/brown deposit may appear: simply remove it with a spoon if the smell and appearance are otherwise normal.
Is an egg that has traveled outside the fridge still good?
Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations. If the egg has been kept warm for a long time, check all the conditions (odor, water, opening) and if in doubt, throw it away.
Can you freeze eggs?
Not in the shell. Crack them, beat lightly, and freeze in a suitable container. Defrost in the refrigerator and consume quickly after cooking.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!