But thanks to their shells, theyre rather resilient. Even though the mandated USDA washing and processing of eggs actually reduces their oxygen barrier, shortening their freshness cycle, they still come with a relatively robust time allowance: eggs can be consumed 45 days from the time of processing (which is usually just a few days after being laid). But if youre still wondering how to tell if eggs are good or bad, read on.
One of the most useful things in the kitchen is chicken eggs. They can be scrambled, fried, poached, or baked, and they are used in everything from breakfast to dessert. But like any perishable food, eggs don’t last forever. How can you tell if the eggs in your fridge are still good to eat? Here are some ways to tell.
Check the Expiration Date
The easiest way is to check the expiration or “best by” date printed on the egg carton. This date estimates how long eggs will stay fresh when properly stored in the refrigerator. Most commercial egg cartons have a “pack date” stamped on them which is the day the eggs were packed.
Eggs can then stay good for 3-5 weeks from that pack date if kept refrigerated at 40°F or below. So if the pack date was January 1st, the eggs should be good until at least late January or early February.
Of course, that date is not set in stone. Even after the printed date, eggs might still be good for a while. This brings us to
Do the Float Test
Simply putting eggs in a bowl of cool water is one of the best ways to tell if they are going bad.
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Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat on their side.
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Eggs that are a few weeks old will sink to the bottom but stand on one end. They are still usable but best to eat soon.
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Eggs that float to the surface should be discarded. As eggs age, air pockets develop inside the shell, making the eggs buoyant in water.
Look at the Shell
Check the eggshells for dirt, cracks, or sliminess on the outside before you crack them open. If the shell is broken, bacteria could have gotten into the egg and made it dirty. Eggs that have cracks or residue on the shell should be thrown away.
Smell the Egg
Give the egg a sniff once cracked open. Fresh eggs should have little to no discernible odor. If you detect a distinct sulfur or rotten smell, the egg has gone bad and should not be consumed.
Examine the White and Yolk
The egg white or albumen should form a thick, gelatinous blob that is opaque and slightly cloudy. An older egg will have thinner, more watery egg whites.
The yolk should appear round and bright yellow/orange with a slightly glossy sheen. Flat, dull or discolored yolks may indicate the egg is old, but a red blood spot on the yolk is harmless.
Shake the Egg
You can also shake the egg near your ear before cracking. A very fresh egg makes no noise when shaken. If you hear or feel liquid sloshing around, the interior has thinned out and you should test it with other methods before eating.
Check How You’ve Stored Them
Proper storage extends the life of eggs. Keep eggs refrigerated at 40°F or below in their original carton on an interior shelf (not the door). Eggs can then stay fresh for 3-5 weeks beyond the pack date.
Leftover raw egg whites and yolks should be used within 2-4 days. Hard boiled eggs will keep for about 1 week refrigerated.
What If My Eggs Smell Bad After Cooking?
Sometimes even fresh eggs can develop a sulfur or rotten smell when cooked. This is caused by a reaction between the sulfur compounds in the white and heat, especially when overcooked. It’s harmless, but the smell can be off-putting.
Greenish or gray yolks after cooking also do not indicate spoiled eggs. It happens when eggs are cooked too long or at high temperatures. Though unappealing, they are still safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?
Hard boiled eggs will keep refrigerated for up to 1 week when still in the shell. Peeled hard boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life of just 2-3 days in the fridge.
Can you freeze eggs?
Yes, both whole eggs and just egg whites and yolks can be frozen for later use. Whole eggs need to be lightly beaten before freezing. Then thaw frozen eggs overnight in the fridge when ready to use. Frozen eggs can keep for up to 1 year in airtight containers.
Is it safe to eat eggs with blood spots?
Small blood spots or streaks you sometimes see on an egg yolk are harmless. Eggs can develop blood spots due to a rupture of a blood vessel when the egg is forming. It does not indicate a fertilized egg or spoilage. The egg is still fine to eat.
Should you wash eggs before using them?
Washing eggs is not recommended, as it could push bacteria into the porous eggshell and contaminate the inside. Eggs have a natural protective outer layer that is removed by washing. Refrigeration is the best way to protect eggs from bacteria.
Can eggs be frozen in the shell?
Freezing raw eggs in the shell is not recommended. The shells will expand and crack when frozen, risking bacterial contamination. It’s best to lightly beat eggs before freezing to prevent texture changes.
What happens if you freeze raw egg whites/yolks?
Raw egg whites are easy to freeze for later use. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Egg yolks tend to thicken and become gelatinous when frozen raw. Adding a pinch of salt or sugar to the yolks before freezing can prevent this.
What do the numbers on egg cartons mean?
The numbers represent the minimum space per hen required by USDA standards. For example, “Eggs from hens housed in cages with 67 square inches per bird.” The higher the number, the more room hens are given, often indicating more humane conditions.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last without refrigeration?
Hard boiled eggs should be refrigerated within 2 hours after cooking. Without refrigeration, harmful bacteria can quickly multiply on the cooked eggs. Hard boiled eggs left out more than 2 hours at room temperature should be discarded.
Are brown and white eggs nutritionally the same?
Yes, hens with white feathers and ear lobes lay white eggs while hens with red feathers and ear lobes lay brown eggs. But there is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. The color depends solely on the breed of hen. Both are nutritious choices.
How to tell if eggs are still good
The date code on the egg’s box is the best way to tell if it’s still good. However, if you have an egg and are unsure about that date, another way to test it is to place it in a bowl or glass filled with cold water.
The water test for egg freshness
First, fill a bowl or glass with about four inches of cold water and gently place your egg(s) inside.
Very fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay on their sides. Eggs can still be eaten if they stay at the bottom and stand on their small end. They are just not as fresh. These “mature” eggs are just as healthy as fresh eggs, and most people won’t even be able to tell the difference in taste. Two bonuses: 1. Theyll peel without sticking to the white when hard boiled and 2. The egg whites are easier to whip into meringue when making desserts.
Any eggs that are too old to eat and should be discarded will float to the surface. Once enough oxygen has had time to permeate the shell, it forms an air pocket large enough to keep the egg afloat in water.