How to tell if your Egg is Fresh

As a fan of eggs, it’s important to know how to tell whether an egg is fresh or not. There’s nothing worse than cracking open an egg and discovering that it’s gone bad. Fortunately, there are a few simple tests you can do to ensure your eggs are fresh before you cook with them.

The Water Test: A Classic Technique

One of the easiest and most popular methods to determine an egg’s freshness is the water test. To perform this test, simply fill a glass or bowl with room temperature water and gently place the egg in it. Here’s what you should look for:

  • If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat, it’s fresh.
  • If the egg stands upright on the bottom or floats to the top, it’s old.

The Science Behind the Test

So why does this work? The answer is simple: an egg’s freshness is related to the size of the air cell inside the egg. As an egg ages, the air cell grows larger, which causes it to float in water. If the egg sinks, it means the air cell is small, and the egg is fresh.

Another Way to Check Freshness: The White Test

If you want to be extra sure your egg is fresh, you can also perform the white test. Simply crack the egg onto a plate or other flat surface and check the white. Here’s what you’re looking for:

  • Fresh egg: The white should be thick and not spread out too much.
  • Old egg: The white will be thin and runny, and may spread out across the plate.

Why Does This Matter?

It’s important to know whether your eggs are fresh or not because fresh eggs taste better, cook better, and are less likely to cause foodborne illness. Old eggs can also make your dishes smell or taste off, which is never ideal.

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