Have you ever cracked open an egg only to wonder if it’s still good? Because the shell conceals the condition of the egg white and yolk, it can be tricky to determine freshness. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple ways to check if an egg is still safe to eat and share useful tips to minimize food waste.

Understanding Expiration Dates on Egg Cartons

When you buy eggs from the grocery store, you’ll always see a suggested use-by date on the packaging. But here’s something surprising: in France, eggs cannot be sold within seven days before their minimum durability date. This means that if you’re buying eggs from a local farmer or directly from a henhouse, you should know that their use-by date is at most 28 days after being laid.

However, eggs remain edible for much longer than you might think. You can safely store them in the refrigerator for up to one month beyond the recommended use-by date. This means eggs can still be good up to 58 days after being laid, as long as the shells remain intact. Proper storage plays a crucial role in preserving freshness, preventing mold, and reducing food waste. Always keep your eggs refrigerated to avoid potential health risks.

The Smell Test: A Quick Way to Detect Spoiled Eggs

Like other fresh foods, eggs that have gone bad will have an off-putting odor. If you’re unsure whether an egg is still good and you notice that its expiration date has passed, try giving it a sniff before using it. Fresh eggs have a neutral scent, but spoiled eggs emit a strong, unpleasant odor. If the egg smells bad, don’t take any chances—discard it immediately. Eating spoiled eggs can lead to foodborne illnesses, as they may lose their nutrients and develop an undesirable taste.

On the other hand, if the egg doesn’t have any strange smell, it’s probably still safe to eat. To avoid waste, use it as soon as possible. You can cook a quick omelet, scramble it, or use it in a baked recipe. The sooner you consume it, the better.

The Visual Check: Examining the Shell, White, and Yolk

If you’re still uncertain about an egg’s freshness, a visual inspection can help. Carefully examine the eggshell before cracking it open. If the shell appears powdery, sticky, cracked, or has any unusual texture, it could indicate mold or contamination. In this case, discard the egg immediately.

Once you crack an egg into a bowl, check both the egg white and yolk for any strange coloration. If you notice unusual shades such as blue, pink, black, or green, the egg has likely spoiled and should not be consumed. Fresh eggs have clear, slightly thick whites and a rich, vibrant yellow yolk.

The Water Test: A Classic Trick for Checking Freshness

One of the easiest ways to check whether an egg is fresh is by using the water test. Simply fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg inside:

• Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat on their sides.
• Slightly older but still good eggs will stand upright at the bottom.
• Bad eggs will float to the top and should be thrown away immediately.

This trick works because as eggs age, the air pocket inside grows larger, making them more buoyant. If your egg floats, it’s time to discard it.

Proper Egg Storage to Maximize Freshness

To extend the shelf life of your eggs, always store them in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Here are some additional tips to keep them fresh:

• Keep eggs in their original carton to protect them from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
• Store eggs in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door, where temperature fluctuations are frequent.
• Avoid washing eggs before storage, as this can remove their natural protective coating and make them more susceptible to bacteria.

The Importance of Reducing Egg Waste

Food waste is a growing concern, and eggs are one of the most commonly discarded items in households. Learning how to check for freshness can help you avoid unnecessary waste while ensuring you’re consuming safe, high-quality food. If you find yourself with extra eggs nearing expiration, consider using them in recipes that require multiple eggs, such as frittatas, custards, or baked goods.

By following these simple tests and storage tips, you can confidently use eggs while minimizing waste. The next time you’re unsure about an egg’s freshness, remember: a quick sniff, a visual check, and the water test are all you need to make an informed decision!