Crack the Code: How to Tell if An Egg Has Gone Bad

Last Updated on 2024-03-28 , 4:31 pm

There’s a moment of profound loss and tragedy when you crack open an egg only to discover it’s gone bad.

It’s more than just a spoiled breakfast—it’s practically a catastrophe. But what if we told you there’s a straightforward way to sidestep such a culinary disaster?

Keep reading and never again suffer the heartbreak of a rotten egg.

The Simple Technique on How to Know Eggs Are Bad

So, here’s the dilemma you’re facing: how to tell if an egg has gone bad? The solution, dear reader, is quite straightforward.

We’re about to share a foolproof trick that will save you from that moment of utter misery.

Curious? Let’s dive right in.

How to Know An Egg is Bad: The Egg Water Trick

The egg water trick is a timeless method that never fails to impress. Here’s how it works: fill a bowl with cold water and gently place the eggs in it.

Image: Atlantist Studio / Shutterstock.com

If the eggs descend to the bottom and lay flat on their sides, consider them fresh.

If the eggs sink but stand erect at the bottom, they’re still edible, though not as fresh.

Finally, eggs that float are past their prime. It’s time to bid them farewell (but please, dispose of them responsibly, or you’ll be dealing with a stench you’d rather avoid).

Behind this trick is the simple fact that eggshells are semipermeable. As an egg ages, more air penetrates its shell, causing it to float when it’s no longer good to eat.

But suppose you’re short on time and can’t perform this seemingly scientific test. Fear not, we have other tricks to share.

Shake it Up: Another Way How to Know If Egg Has Gone Bad

The shaking method might be less scientific, but it has its advocates. Hold an egg to your ear, give it a gentle shake, and listen.

If you hear liquid sloshing around, it’s a sign the egg has gone bad. Silence, on the other hand, typically indicates a good egg.

Use Your Nose

Too tired to shake an egg or out of usable containers for the water test? You have another detective tool at your disposal—your nose. Fresh eggs emit a neutral odor. If an egg gives off a sulfuric, gassy, or sour smell when cracked, it’s time to toss it out.

Checking the Egg Whites

The final trick involves cracking the egg onto a flat surface. Observe the yolk and egg white. Fresh eggs have firm egg whites that form a protective ring around the yolk. If the egg is not fresh, the white will be flatter and spread out.

With these four simple methods at your disposal, you can easily determine the quality of your eggs.

Armed with this knowledge, may you never encounter a rotten egg again. Remember, we’re committed to ensuring you enjoy nothing but the best.

Ready for more hacks? Here’s one that will ensure you will never overeat during CNY again.