Testing egg freshness: Quick and easy methods revealed
How can we check if eggs are fresh? Although we can rely on the expiration date on the packaging, several other methods are worth knowing, such as the "water test."
Fresh eggs are essential for tasty and healthy dishes. How can we determine if the ones we purchased at the market or in a supermarket are suitable for consumption? Here are a few simple methods that will help us find out quickly.
How to check if eggs are fresh?
The first method to check the freshness of eggs is the water test. Fill a large vessel, such as a blender cup, with water and gently place the egg inside. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom and stay there. If it floats or rises to the surface, this indicates that it is old. Air has entered it, showing that it is not fresh.
Another straightforward method is the flashlight technique. Simply go to a dark room and shine the flashlight on the egg. If you see a solid yolk inside, it means the egg is fresh. This method avoids breaking the egg, which is beneficial if you plan to keep it for later use.
This is how you check if eggs are fit to eat
If you decide to break the egg, pay close attention to its smell and appearance. A fresh egg will have a neutral smell, thick whites clinging to the yolk, and a high, rounded yolk. If the white is watery and the egg smells unpleasant, it may be spoiled. It should be discarded immediately.
You can also assess the freshness of an egg by shaking it. If you feel something sloshing inside, it means the egg is old and not fresh. This is a quick method that can even be used while shopping in the store.
The last method is through visual assessment of the shell. Eggs with fresh shells will not have unusual spots or discolorations, which may indicate issues with the calcium process or a poor hen diet. A soft shell is also a sign that the egg may not have been stored properly, or the hen had limited access to water.
