Can You Really Tell If an Egg is Fresh By the Way It Floats in Water?

Is there a simple way to determine if an egg is fresh or no longer good? Some believe that you can tell by how it floats in water. Let's explore this floating egg phenomenon and see what the science says.

The Float Test: A Simple Method or Misleading Trick?

The common belief is that fresh eggs sink to the bottom of a glass of water, while older eggs float. But is this method truly reliable for checking egg freshness?

The science behind it involves the egg's structure. Fresh eggs have a thick shell and a small air cell inside. As eggs age, the air cell enlarges, making them lighter and more likely to float. When placed in water, the egg's density decides whether it sinks or floats.

Reliable or Unreliable?

While the float test can provide a general idea of an egg's freshness, it is not foolproof. Some eggs that sink may still not be fresh, and some that float might be perfectly fine to eat.

To ensure freshness, look for additional signs. Smell the egg; if it has an off odor, it is likely bad. You can also crack it open onto a plate and examine the yolk and white. Fresh eggs typically have a firm, plump yolk, while older eggs may have a yolk that spreads out or a watery white.

Confirming Freshness: A Comprehensive Approach

The float test can offer a quick assessment of an egg's freshness, but it should not be the only method used. To accurately determine freshness, combine the float test with inspection and smell.

Feel free to test your knowledge about egg freshness! If you're ever uncertain, cracking open the egg and inspecting it is always a good safety measure. It's better to be cautious than sorry.