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Eggs are one of the most crucial staple ingredients in the pantry of a house. It is enriched with protein, calcium and other essential nutrients, which are pivotal to an individual's diet. Moreover, what makes it popular in the human diet is its versatility and nutrition. But to utilise the ingredients you also need to make sure that they are in perfect condition.
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If you have heard about farmers' markets, they are local markets where local farmers come with their fresh produce and sell them. Many people even love shopping from these markets due to being fresh and affordable and also a way to support the local farmers. These markets even have people selling locally produced eggs, however, the issue with purchasing them is their freshness.
Water Float
Using the water float test is an essential and effective way to check if eggs have gone bad. Fill a bowl with water and gently place the eggs in it. Fresh eggs will sink and lay flat on the bottom, while older but still edible eggs will stand upright. If the eggs float to the surface, they have likely spoiled and should be discarded. This simple test is crucial for ensuring food safety and preventing the consumption of potentially harmful eggs, making it a reliable method for any home cook.
Smell
The smell test of an egg is highly crucial before you actually start boiling it or beating it for cooking. Usually, eggs do not emit any bad smell but if it is spoiled your whole house will be stinky for the whole day. The smell of a bad egg is a very strong, unpleasant and sulphur-like smell. To perform the smell test, crack the egg into a bowl and just sniff. Actually, you don't even have to bow down and sniff, because if the egg has gone bad, the moment you crack it the robust smell will immediately reach your nose.
Check for Cracks
Examine each egg closely, discarding any with visible cracks or unusual textures. This method is effective as it prevents the risk of consuming harmful pathogens, ensuring food safety. Even hairline fractures allow bacteria to enter, leading to spoilage. Regularly inspecting eggs for cracks not only maintains quality but also safeguards against potential health issues, making it an essential step in kitchen practices.
Checks for Discoloration
Discolouration is another primary feature of a gone bad egg, that one should always check before using it further for any form of cooking. Usually, eggs have cloudy white and vibrant yellow yolk, but if you see any pink, green or any other unusual colour in the yolk, immediately throw it away. It has definitely gone bad and unsafe to consume in any way. By chance consumption of such eggs can cause many foodborne illnesses, which you need to stir away from.
Shake The Egg
Shaking the egg might sound like a foolish idea but in reality, this actually works. YOu just need to shake the egg gently and then keep it closer to your ears, if you hear a sloshing sound from the egg, this means it has gone bad. The sound you hear is because the yolk and the white have thinned out and moved freely inside the shell. The content inside the fresh egg is quite firm and intact thus they will never make such a sloshing sound. This simple hack can save you from consuming a harmful ingredient.
