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The Ultimate Guide: How to Tell if an Egg is Fresh or Old

Eggs are a staple food in daily meals in Vietnam. Being able to distinguish between old and new eggs is an essential skill for homemakers to ensure they are serving the freshest eggs to their families. Join us as we uncover this handy trick!

Administrator

15 July, 2024

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Eggs are a nutritious food source, but choosing and buying fresh ones can be challenging if you don’t know how. Especially for housewives who buy eggs at the market or grocery stores, it’s easy to end up with old or spoiled eggs.

Here are some simple methods we’ve ‘collected’ to help you select fresh eggs!

1 Observe the Egg Shell

This is a straightforward method; simply look at the outer shell. A fresh egg will have a thin, white powdery coating on it, while older eggs tend to be shinier and may even have cracks or signs of damage.

2 Touch the Egg Shell

Pick up the egg, and if it feels heavy and has a slightly rough texture, it’s fresh. On the other hand, if it feels light and smooth to the touch, it’s an older egg.

3 Gently Shake the Egg

Another simple method is to hold the egg close to your ear and give it a gentle shake. If you hear movement inside or a sloshing sound, it’s an old egg. Fresh eggs have a firm yolk and white, so you won’t hear much movement.

4 Examine the Egg Under Sunlight or a Lamp

Take a piece of paper or newspaper and roll it into a small tube. Place the egg at one end of the tube and hold it up towards the sun or a lamp.

A fresh egg will have a small air pocket, and the yolk will not move around. The white will be clear without any veins. On the other hand, an older egg will have a larger air pocket and visible veins in the white.

5 Float the Egg in Water

Place the egg in a bowl or cup of water and observe. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom, while an old egg will float. An egg that is no longer fresh but not too old will hover in the water. Alternatively, if the pointed end of the egg is facing downward, it’s a good egg.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few key indicators to determine the freshness of an egg. Firstly, check the sell-by date on the carton. Secondly, look at the egg itself; fresh eggs have a bright, clear yolk and thick, cloudy whites. Old eggs will have a yolk that breaks easily and runny whites. You can also perform a water test by placing the egg in a bowl of water; fresh eggs will sink and lie flat, while old eggs will float.

Eggs should be stored in their original carton and placed in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness for up to 3-5 weeks beyond the sell-by date. It is best to store them in the main body of the refrigerator, not in the door, as the temperature is more consistent.

It is not recommended to use eggs with cracked shells, as bacteria can enter through the cracks and cause spoilage. However, if the egg is only slightly cracked, you can break it into a separate container and use it immediately. Ensure to wash your hands and the egg’s surface before handling.

A bad egg will typically have an unpleasant sulfurous odor and a runny, discolored yolk. The whites may also appear thin and watery. If you notice any of these signs, discard the egg immediately. Additionally, if an egg floats in water, it is likely too old and should be discarded.

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Ensure to peel and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Mark the storage date on the container to keep track of their freshness.