According to Healthline, Eggs are a versatile and nutritious food that can be cooked in countless ways. However, if you are not careful, you may end up cracking open a bad egg, which can ruin a dish and pose a health risk. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to tell whether an egg is good or bad, based on its appearance, smell, and freshness.
One of the most obvious signs of a bad egg is its appearance. Fresh eggs should have a clean, smooth, and uncracked shell with no visible discoloration or deformities. If an egg is cracked or has a broken shell, it is best to discard it, as bacteria can enter through the opening and contaminate the egg. Similarly, if an egg has a dark, cloudy, or discolored shell, it may indicate that the egg is old or contaminated and should not be consumed.
Another way to tell whether an egg is good or bad is to check its freshness. The freshness of an egg can be determined by its date of packaging or expiration, which is usually printed on the carton. In general, eggs are considered fresh for about four to five weeks from the packaging date, as long as they are properly stored in a cool and dry place, such as a refrigerator. However, even fresh eggs can spoil if they are exposed to heat, moisture, or other contaminants.
One way to test the freshness of an egg is to perform a float test. To do this, fill a bowl with cold water and gently place an egg in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat, it is fresh. IfIt may be ruined or old if it stands up straight or floats to the surface. This is because as an egg ages, it loses moisture and air enters through the porous shell, causing it to become buoyant.
Another way to tell whether an egg is good or bad is to use your sense of smell. Fresh eggs have a neutral odor, while bad eggs may have a foul or sulfurous smell. If you detect any unpleasant odor when you crack open an egg, it is best to discard it, as it may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella.
Finally, it is important to handle eggs properly to prevent contamination and spoilage. This means washing your hands before and after handling eggs, storing them in their original carton in the refrigerator, and using them within their recommended expiration date. When cooking with eggs, make sure to cook them thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may be present.