Do Floating Eggs Mean They Are Bad?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the method of determining the freshness of eggs, particularly focusing on the floating test in water. Participants share their personal experiences and thoughts regarding egg freshness, safety, and handling practices.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a method involving placing eggs in water to check if they sink or float, questioning the accuracy of this method.
  • Another participant humorously suggests a "crack n' sniff" approach to check egg freshness.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, explains that older eggs float due to the formation of a larger air cell as they age, providing a detailed description of the buoyancy test.
  • Several users express gratitude for the information shared and acknowledge the usefulness of the floating test.
  • One participant shares their practice of testing eggs before use, emphasizing a personal safety concern regarding bad eggs.
  • Another participant states they do not keep eggs for long, preferring to discard them if past the expiration date to avoid risks.
  • Multiple participants mention cracking eggs into a separate bowl before adding them to recipes to prevent ruining the dish if a bad egg is found.
  • One participant notes that using a prep bowl makes it easier to retrieve any eggshell pieces that may fall in.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the handling of eggs, with some participants advocating for testing and careful handling, while others express a more cautious approach by discarding eggs past their expiration date. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best practices for egg freshness testing.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and practices related to egg freshness and safety, reflecting a variety of approaches within the community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in egg handling practices and freshness testing methods may find this discussion informative.

J
janezapchef
Gold Member
Messages
1,096
I know there's a way to tell this by puting the egg in a glass of water. If it's good, it sinks, right? Or does it float??? I have a bunch of eggs past their date, but I know that doesn't mean they are bad, necessarily. Anyone know???
 
My smart-aleck answer would be crack n' sniff.
 
If they cluck and have wings... :) (sorry, I just couldn't resist!) :)
 
ANSWER: Egg shells may seem pretty solid, but they are in fact slightly porous. Old eggs float in fresh cold water because of a large air cell that forms as the egg cools after being laid. As the egg ages, air enters the egg and the air cell becomes larger and this acts as a buoyancy aid.Generally, fresh eggs will lie on the bottom of the bowl of water. Eggs that tilt so that the large end is up are older, and eggs that float are rotten. The tilting is caused by air pockets in the eggs that increase in size over time as fluid evaporates through the porous shell and oxygen and gases filter in. The older an egg gets the more gas builds up inside it. More gas = more floating!Carefully lower your eggs into fresh cold water (do not use salted water) using a spoon: * If the egg stay at the bottom - it is fresh.
* If the egg is at an angle on the bottom - it is still fresh and good to eat.
* If the egg stands on its pointed end at the bottom - it is still safe to eat but best used for baking and making hard-cooked eggs.
* If the egg float - they're stale and best discarded.The final test: To make sure the egg is not spoiled, break it into a clean bowl and check to make sure it doesn't have a bad odor or appearance.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Wow! Thanks! :)

Anyone else???
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks, Janet.

I was posting at the same time you were, I guess!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Really, thanks, Janet! Did you just type that into a search somewhere? I guess I probably could have done that too. Duh! I swear, sometimes my brain really doesn't work!
 
We always test our eggs to see if they float before we use them. We have chickens and sometimes the newer eggs don't get put at the bottom of the pile. This is just a safety issue for me I hate the smell of bad eggs.
 
I don't keep eggs for a long time. I just wouldn't want to take the risk with my family. If they're past the expiration date, I throw them out, it's just not worth the risk.
 
Wow, thanks so much for the info and the link.
I went to the website and there is so much information on eggs, it is great!!
 
Janet and Kacey, you guys are too much...
 
Any time I use eggs, I always crack each one in a small bowl before adding it to the rest of the recipe. That way if you get a bad one you haven't ruined your whole recipe.
 
sk8rgrrl99 said:
Any time I use eggs, I always crack each one in a small bowl before adding it to the rest of the recipe. That way if you get a bad one you haven't ruined your whole recipe.
Click to expand...

I was always taught that too...prep bowls work great for that!
 
sk8rgrrl99 said:
Any time I use eggs, I always crack each one in a small bowl before adding it to the rest of the recipe. That way if you get a bad one you haven't ruined your whole recipe.
Click to expand...

very smart idea!! I need to start doing this!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
And, for me, the sloppy cook, if you get an eggshell in it, it's much easier to see and fish out in the prep bowl than in the big recipe.
 
chefsteph07 said:
Janet and Kacey, you guys are too much...
Click to expand...

Thanks, Steph- but I thought we were eggcellent! Baaahaahaa!:D:p
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do floating eggs mean they are bad?

Yes, floating eggs typically indicate that they are no longer fresh. As eggs age, the air cell inside them enlarges, causing them to become buoyant. If an egg floats in water, it is advisable to discard it.

How can I test if my eggs are still good?

A simple way to test the freshness of eggs is the water test. Fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg in it. If it sinks and lays flat on the bottom, it is fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it is best to discard it.

What causes eggs to float?

Eggs float due to the increase in the size of the air cell inside the shell as the egg ages. This happens because moisture and air seep through the porous shell, making the egg less dense and causing it to float in water.

Can I eat eggs that sink but stand upright?

Eggs that sink but stand upright are still safe to eat, but they are not as fresh. It is best to use them soon in cooking or baking, as their quality may not be optimal.

What should I do if I find a floating egg?

If you find a floating egg, it is recommended to discard it. Consuming spoiled eggs can lead to foodborne illnesses, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.

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