Fresh egg: Yolk stands high, firm; white is thick and clings close
Older egg: Yolk flattens easily; white spreads out thin and watery
Spoiled egg: Smells foul, moldy, or sulfuric — toss immediately
🔦 The Flashlight Test (Candling)
Shine a bright flashlight through the egg in a dark room
Fresh eggs look dense; older ones show a larger air pocket and possible movement inside
(Used by farmers and hatcheries — fun for egg geeks!)
🗓️ How Long Do Eggs Last?
In the fridge
4–5 weeks from purchase
(even past the “sell-by” date!)
At room temperature
1–2 weeks max
(not recommended in most countries)
Hard-boiled
1 week in the shell
(peeled ones last 2 days)
✅ Pro Tip: Store eggs in the original carton — it protects them and keeps them from absorbing fridge odors.
❌ When to Definitely Toss an Egg
Even if it sinks, throw it out if:
It smells bad when cracked
The shell is cracked or slimy
There’s pink, green, or iridescent discoloration (bacterial growth)
You’re unsure — trust your gut (literally)
❤️ Final Thought: Don’t Fear the Fridge Egg
You don’t need a PhD or a magic wand to know if your egg is good.
Just a bowl of water and a moment of curiosity.
Because sometimes, the best food safety tricks aren’t complicated — they’re old, weird, and shockingly effective.
So next time you’re staring down a mystery egg…
Don’t panic.
Drop it in water.
And let physics decide.
Because great meals start with fresh ingredients — and peace of mind. 💛
