For a long time, many people believe eggs last seemingly forever in the refrigerator. It’s easy to assume they’re a kitchen staple that doesn’t really expire quickly. However, while eggs are indeed a fridge essential, they definitely don’t last indefinitely. Thinking they do can lead to unpleasant surprises, to say the least! While maybe you’ve been lucky and avoided food poisoning incidents, it’s crucial to understand that eggs from the grocery store typically only stay fresh for about three to five weeks in the refrigerator.
Discovering that eggs do expire is just the first step. The even more important lesson is learning how to determine if they’ve gone bad. Fortunately, checking egg freshness is surprisingly straightforward. These four simple methods can help you avoid a disappointing breakfast or, more importantly, protect yourself from potential health risks like salmonella.
1. Check the Expiration or Sell-By Date
This might seem like the most obvious step, but the date printed on the egg carton is always your first and most reliable clue. The expiration date, or often a “sell-by” date, is a key indicator of an egg’s potential freshness. Keep in mind that expiration dates aren’t absolute rules, but rather guidelines. If your eggs are only a few days past the date on the carton, they might still be fine. In such cases, use the following tests to be sure. However, if your eggs are weeks past the printed date, it’s highly likely they are no longer safe to eat and should be discarded.
2. Try the Float Test
The float test is a classic and effective method for checking the freshness of a raw egg, and it only requires a glass of water.
How the Float Test Works
Fill a glass with water, about three-quarters full – enough to submerge an egg without overflowing. Gently place an egg into the glass of water and observe what happens.
Interpreting the Float Test Results
- Fresh Egg: If the egg sinks to the bottom of the glass and lies flat on its side, it’s considered fresh. This is because a fresh egg has a small air cell inside, causing it to be dense enough to sink.
- Bad Egg: If the egg floats to the top of the water, it’s likely spoiled. As an egg ages, the air cell inside it grows larger, making it more buoyant. A floating egg indicates a large air cell and is a strong sign that the egg has gone bad. It’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
- In-Between: If the egg sinks but stands upright at the bottom, or floats in the middle of the glass, it’s in a gray area. These eggs are likely still safe to eat, but they are no longer at their peak freshness. It’s recommended to use these eggs soon, ideally within the next few days. Consider using them in dishes where eggs are thoroughly cooked, like a baked frittata or hard-boiled eggs.
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3. Give It a Smell Test
While the float test is a helpful visual indicator, your sense of smell is another powerful tool for determining egg freshness. Even after performing the float test, it’s always a good idea to do a smell check for extra assurance.
What a Fresh Egg Should Smell Like
Crack the egg onto a clean plate or into a bowl. A fresh, safe-to-eat egg should have a neutral smell or a very faint, barely noticeable eggy odor. Essentially, it shouldn’t smell like much of anything.
What a Bad Egg Smells Like
A spoiled egg will have a distinctly unpleasant and unmistakable odor. Common descriptions include:
- Sulfuric: A strong, rotten egg smell, often compared to sulfur or hydrogen sulfide.
- Putrid: A general foul, decaying smell.
- Funky or “Off”: Any smell that is distinctly not fresh or neutral, and simply smells “wrong.”
If you detect any of these off-putting smells, the egg is rotten and should be thrown away immediately. Be sure to thoroughly wash and sanitize the plate or bowl and any surfaces the egg may have touched to prevent the spread of bacteria.
4. Use Your Eyes: Visual Inspection
Your eyes can also provide clues about an egg’s freshness, both before and after cracking it.
Signs of Spoilage in the Shell
- Cracks or Powder: Inspect the eggshell for any cracks or a powdery coating. Small cracks can allow bacteria to enter the egg. A cloudy or powdery coating might indicate mold or bacterial growth on the shell itself.
- Slimy Shell: A slimy texture on the shell can also be a sign of bacterial contamination.
Signs of Spoilage When Cracked
- Discoloration of Egg White: A fresh egg white (albumen) should be clear and slightly viscous. If the egg white has a pink, green, or iridescent hue, or appears cloudy and watery, it’s a sign of spoilage.
- Flattened Yolk: A fresh egg yolk should be vibrant yellow or orange and sit high and round. If the yolk is completely flat and breaks easily, it indicates the egg is old and losing quality, though not necessarily spoiled. However, a severely flattened yolk combined with other signs could point to a bad egg.
If you observe any of these visual abnormalities, especially discoloration or signs of bacteria, discard the egg. When in doubt, it’s always best to throw it out to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. And if you’re opting for a backup breakfast, remember to check the expiration date on your milk too!
