If it stays flat at the bottom: it's very fresh.
If it rises slightly: it's still edible.
If it floats: it's no longer good.
Why? Over time, air enters the egg through the shell. The more air there is, the higher the egg floats. This is therefore an excellent indicator of freshness.
Observe the yellow and the white
If you crack an egg onto a plate, you can observe its texture.
- A fresh egg has:
A nice, plump yellow
- A thick white that remains around the yellow
A less fresh egg has:
- A flatter yellow
- A very runny white that spreads easily.
This happens because the natural structure of the egg changes over time: the older the egg gets, the more liquid it becomes.
Shake the egg to check if it's still good
This trick is little known but very effective. Hold the egg near your ear and shake it gently.
If you hear nothing: the egg is fresh.
If you hear a sloshing sound: it's not very fresh anymore.
Over time, the air bubble inside grows, allowing the liquid to move and produce a noise.
The table rotation test
Place the egg on a table and spin it quickly with your hand.
A fresh egg spins with difficulty and stops quickly.
An older egg spins more easily and for longer.
Why? Because the inside of a fresh egg is denser and slows down the movement.
Bonus tip:
A hard-boiled egg turns very easily, unlike a raw egg. This is handy for not mixing them up in the refrigerator.
Look at the egg in the light
This is a method that has been used for a very long time. Simply place the egg in front of a lamp or the light from your phone.
In a fresh egg:
- The yellow is well centered
- There are no stains
- The air pocket is small
In an older egg:
- The air pocket is larger
- The interior appears darker
How long can eggs be stored?
In general :
- Eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks.
- Hard-boiled eggs should be eaten within 7 to 10 days.
- Washed eggs do not keep as long
A very important tip:
It's best not to wash eggs before storing them in the refrigerator. The shell has a natural protective layer that prevents bacteria from entering. It's preferable to wash them just before cooking.
Another tip: avoid storing eggs in the refrigerator door, as the temperature there often fluctuates. It's best to place them in the center of the refrigerator.
With these tips for storing eggs , you will never again throw away eggs that are still edible and you will know immediately whether they are fresh or not.
