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5 ways to tell if an egg is fresh or rotten

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Absolutely! Here’s an informative and helpful article on how to tell if an egg is fresh or rotten:

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🥚 5 Easy Ways to Tell If an Egg Is Fresh or Rotten

Eggs are a kitchen staple, but sometimes it’s tricky to know whether that carton in your fridge is still good to use. Using a rotten egg can ruin a recipe—and nobody wants that unpleasant surprise! Luckily, there are simple, reliable methods to check if your eggs are fresh or past their prime before cracking them open.

Here are 5 ways to tell if an egg is fresh or rotten so you can cook with confidence every time.


1. The Water Float Test

This classic test is one of the easiest and most reliable:

  • Fill a bowl with cold water.
  • Gently place the egg in the water.

What happens?

  • Fresh eggs sink and lay flat on their sides. This means the egg is dense and full of moisture.
  • Slightly older eggs stand upright or tilt. They’re still okay to eat but should be used soon.
  • Rotten eggs float to the surface. This happens because gases build up inside as the egg spoils.

2. The Sniff Test

Sometimes your nose is the best judge.

  • Crack the egg open onto a clean plate or bowl.
  • Take a careful sniff.

If it smells sulfurous, sour, or just “off,” the egg has gone bad and should be discarded immediately. Fresh eggs have a neutral or mild smell.


3. Visual Inspection

Before cracking the egg, look closely:

  • Check the shell: Fresh eggs have clean, intact shells without cracks or slimy residues.
  • Inspect the egg white and yolk: When cracked, fresh eggs have a thick, slightly cloudy white and a firm, rounded yolk. If the white is watery or the yolk breaks easily, the egg is older.
  • Look for discoloration: Any pink, green, or iridescent colors indicate bacterial growth—don’t use the egg.

4. The Shake Test

This quick test can give you a hint if you don’t have water nearby:

  • Hold the egg close to your ear and gently shake it.
  • If you hear sloshing, it means the egg white and yolk have thinned out—sign of an older egg.
  • No sound usually means the egg is fresh.
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