If you want to know whether an egg is fresh or bad, there’s a very simple test you can do at home. All you need is a container and some water!
How to tell if an egg is bad
Pop the egg in question into a bowl or glass of water at room temperature. A fresh egg will sink and lie on its side, and an old egg will float.
If the egg sinks but lies at an angle, it’s not as fresh as one that lies horizontally, but it is most likely still okay to eat.
Why do bad eggs float in water?
Eggs that are stale or bad float because they have an air pocket inside. As an egg ages, moisture leaves the egg and is replaced by air, which increases the size of the air bubble. If the air pocket becomes big enough, the egg will float.
Other ways to tell if an egg has gone off
If you open an egg and it smells a bit funny, the chances are it’s gone bad and should be thrown away.
Shake the egg and listen carefully. If you can hear the insides sloshing around, it’s probably past its best.
Shine a bright torch at the egg and look for cracks in the shell or air gaps inside.
Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
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