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How to Check to See if Eggs Are Fresh

Here is a simple way to tell if your eggs are still fresh, whether you buy them from the grocery store, raise your own chickens for eggs or support a local farmer.

Materials

  • Glass Bowl or jar
  • Cold Water

Instructions

The Float Test

  • Fill a clear bowl or glass with enough cold water to fully submerge the egg and gently place it in the vessel.
  • Sinks and lies flat on its side - Very fresh.
    Sinks but stands upright or tilts - Older (roughly a week or more) but usually still fine to eat; use soon.
    Floats - Significantly older due to a large air cell. It may still be safe, but crack and check carefully before using (or discard if unsure).

Notes

  • Use plain cold water (salted water changes density and can skew results).