There Is No More Accurate Way: The Most Accurate Way to Check the Freshness of Chicken Eggs

Whether you buy eggs in bulk, collect them from backyard hens, or simply want to avoid wasting food, knowing how to accurately check an egg’s freshness is an essential kitchen skill. While expiration dates give a general guideline, the true condition of an egg depends on how it’s been handled, stored, and aged.

Fortunately, there’s one simple, reliable, time-tested method that generations of cooks have used—with surprising accuracy.

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The Most Accurate Method: The Water Float Test

If you’re looking for the most dependable way to check an egg’s freshness, nothing beats the float test. This old-fashioned technique works because eggs change internally as they age.

How to Do It

1. Fill a bowl or glass with cool water.

2. Gently lower the egg into the water.

3. Observe what happens:

✔ Fresh Egg: Sinks to the Bottom and Lays Flat

This means the egg still has a small air cell and firm contents—ideal for frying, poaching, or baking.

✔ Slightly Older but Still Safe: Sinks but Stands Upright

The air pocket has grown, but the egg is usually still fine to use.
Great for hard-boiling because they peel more easily.

✘ Bad Egg: Floats to the Top

Floating indicates a large air pocket, meaning the egg has aged significantly and should not be eaten.

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Why the Float Test Works

Eggs naturally contain a tiny air cell.
As days pass, moisture inside evaporates and is replaced by air, causing the egg to become more buoyant.

The more it floats, the older it is.
This physical process makes the float test a surprisingly reliable indicator of freshness.

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Other Ways to Check Egg Freshness

While the float test is the most accurate overall, here are additional techniques that can help confirm an egg’s condition:

1. The Sniff Test

A spoiled egg has a strong, unmistakable sulfur smell—before or after cracking it.
If it smells off, toss it.

2. Visual Check

After cracking:

• The yolk should be round and firm

• The egg white should be thick, not runny

• Any discoloration (pink, cloudy green, or iridescent tones) is a sign to discard

3. Shake Test (Less Reliable but Commonly Used)

Hold the egg up to your ear and gently shake.
A fresh egg is silent.
A sloshing sound can indicate thinning egg whites due to age.

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How Long Do Eggs Stay Fresh?

Eggs often last longer than the printed date, especially when refrigerated properly.

General guideline:

• Fresh, raw eggs in the shell: 3–5 weeks in the fridge

• Hard-boiled eggs: About 1 week

• Fresh farm eggs (unwashed): Up to several weeks at room temperature, longer in the fridge

Note: Store eggs in their original carton to protect them from absorbing odors.

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Tips for Keeping Eggs Fresher Longer

• Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator (not the door).

• Store eggs pointed end down to minimize air cell expansion.

• Avoid washing backyard eggs until just before use—washing removes the protective bloom.

• Don’t leave eggs at room temperature for extended periods if they’ve already been refrigerated.

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Final Thoughts

When it comes to checking egg freshness, there truly is no more accurate, simple, or foolproof method than the classic float test. It requires no special tools, takes seconds, and can save you from wasting perfectly good eggs—or worse, using spoiled ones.

With a quick bowl of water and a little knowledge, you’ll always know exactly what’s safe to cook, bake, or scramble.