In baking, fresh eggs provide more structure and volume. Older eggs may not whip up as well, and their yolks tend to flatten. Food Safety:While eggs can often last beyond the sell-by date if properly stored, they do eventually spoil. Knowing how to test them can help prevent foodborne illness.Simple Ways to Check Egg Freshness – Check the Date – Eggs often have a sell-by or expiration date on the carton. While this is helpful, it’s not always accurate, as properly stored eggs can last several weeks beyond that. Use it as a guideline, not a rule. The Float Test – Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place your egg in it. Fresh eggs sink and lie flat on the bottom. Slightly older eggs may stand upright or tilt. Bad eggs float to,
the top—these should be discarded. The Shake Test – Hold the egg near your ear and shake it gently. If you hear sloshing, the egg is likely old. A fresh egg won’t make much noise. Crack and Inspect – Crack the egg onto a plate. A fresh egg will have a firm yolk that stands tall and a thick, gel-like white. An older egg will have a flatter yolk and a runnier white. Sniff Test – A spoiled egg will have a strong, unmistakably foul odor. If it smells bad—even a little—throw it out.
