Proven techniques to ensure your eggs are fresh and safe

The importance of egg freshness cannot be underestimated. Stale eggs can compromise the flavour of dishes and may even lead to serious health issues, such as food poisoning. Fortunately, there are straightforward methods to quickly and effectively assess an egg's suitability for consumption.

The first and most commonly recommended method is the water test. Simply fill a container with cold water. Gently place the egg in the water and observe its behaviour. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and remain there. If an egg begins to float, it indicates that air has entered, suggesting it is older and possibly stale.

This method is highly straightforward and allows a quick assessment of the egg's condition without breaking it. Moreover, it can be used at home and while shopping at a market or grocery store.

Another method is the light test, which involves using a torch. To conduct this test, go into a dark room, point the torch at the egg, and inspect it closely. A solid yolk with no visible air bubbles indicates that the egg is likely fresh.

Similar to the water test, this method allows you to assess the egg's condition without breaking it. It helps to prolong storage and use of eggs. The light test is particularly useful if you wish to check a larger quantity of eggs, thus helping to prevent food waste.

Pay attention to its smell and appearance if you decide to crack an egg. A fresh egg should have a neutral smell, a thick white clinging to the yolk, and a high, rounded yolk. If the white is watery and the egg has an unpleasant odour, it's best to discard it. A spoiled egg will have a distinctive, strong sulphur smell that is easily recognisable. Furthermore, recently purchased eggs with cracked shells are best used immediately or discarded.

You can also check the freshness of an egg by shaking it. This is a quick method, even possible while shopping. Hold the egg in your hand and gently shake it. A fresh egg should not make any noise; hearing a sloshing sound indicates the egg is old and may be stale.

A soft eggshell may suggest the egg has been improperly stored or that the hen had an unbalanced diet. An egg stored correctly and laid by a healthy hen will have a hard, strong shell.

Fresh eggs enhance the taste of dishes and are rich in nutritional value. They are a source of easily absorbable protein and vitamins A, E, D, K, and B group vitamins. They also contain minerals such as iron, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.