3 simple ways to tell whether an egg is good or bad

You can tell if your egg is good or rotten by using tests like the float test or the sniff test.

Everyone has encountered the problem of reaching into the refrigerator for an egg but forgetting how long they have been sitting there.

It is true that an egg’s quality tends to decline over time as the air pocket inside widens and the whites get thinner. However, an egg only “goes bad” when it starts to degrade as a result of bacteria or mold.

In actuality, your eggs can still be edible for several more weeks.

According to Healthline, here are 3 simple ways to tell whether and egg is good or bad:

1. Conduct a sniff test

Whether they are cooked or uncooked, eggs that have gone rotten will have a distinct odor.

If you’re unable to determine the contents of the egg while it is still in its shell, crack it open and take a whiff.

Toss the egg and wash the bowl or plate in hot, soapy water before using it again if anything smells off.

The egg is still safe to use if everything smells normal, or if there is absolutely no odor.

2. Visual inspection

If the egg seems dry and intact, crack it before putting onto a spotlessly white bowl or plate. Look for any pink or iridescent discoloration in the yolk and whites that can indicate bacterial growth.

If the old egg shows any signs of degeneration, throw it away and wash the bowl in hot, soapy water before testing the fresh one.

You can also check to see if the egg whites or yolks are runny. The egg is showing signs of aging and is no longer of good quality. It can still be safe to use, therefore this does not necessarily imply that it has deteriorated.

3. Perform a float test

Put your egg in a container or bucket of water, give it a little stir, and see whether it floats. The egg is still fresh if it sinks. It is old if it tilts upward or possibly floating.

This is because when an egg ages, the tiny air pocket it contains expands as water is expelled and air is replaced. If the air pocket is large enough, the egg could be able to float.

You can tell whether an egg is new or old using this technique, but not whether it’s good or awful.