Have a carton of eggs in your fridge and wondering if they're still fresh? The easiest way to check egg freshness is the water test. Place the egg in a bowl of cold water. If it sinks and lies flat, it's fresh. If it stands upright, it's still safe to eat but should be used soon. If it floats to the surface, it's best to throw it away.

While the water test is the most popular method, it isn't the only way to tell if an egg is still good. Here are a few simple checks you can do at home before you start cooking.

Try the Egg Water Test

The egg water test is one of the quickest ways to check freshness, and you don't need any special equipment.

Simply fill a bowl with enough cold water to cover the egg and gently place it inside.

Here's what the results mean:

• Sinks and lies flat: Very fresh.
• Sinks but stands upright: Still good to eat, but use it within the next few days.
• Floats: The egg has aged significantly and should be discarded.

Many people wonder why this happens. As an egg gets older, moisture slowly escapes through tiny pores in the shell, allowing air to enter. The larger the air pocket becomes, the more likely the egg is to float.

Crack the Egg Into a Bowl

If you're still unsure, crack the egg into a separate bowl before adding it to your recipe.

A fresh egg usually has:

• a thick egg white that stays close to the yolk
• a round, firm yolk that sits high
• little spreading on the plate

An older egg tends to spread out more because the egg white becomes thinner over time.

This doesn't always mean it's bad, but it's a good indicator of freshness.

Smell the Egg

This is probably the easiest test of all.

A fresh egg has almost no smell.

If you notice a strong sulphur-like or rotten odour after cracking it, don't taste it. Dispose of it immediately.

Your nose is often the best freshness checker you'll ever need.

Check the Shell

Before cracking the egg, take a quick look at the shell.

Avoid eggs that have:

• cracks
• leaking contents
• slimy texture
• powdery mould

A clean, dry shell is usually a good sign that the egg has been stored properly.

How Long Do Eggs Stay Fresh?

When stored in the refrigerator, eggs can remain fresh for several weeks. Keeping them in their original carton also helps protect them from absorbing strong food odours and reduces moisture loss.

One mistake many people make is storing eggs in the refrigerator door. Since the temperature changes every time the door opens, it's usually better to keep them on an inside shelf where the temperature stays more consistent.

Why Fresh Farm Eggs Often Feel Different

People who switch to farm-fresh eggs often notice a few differences right away.

Fresh eggs typically have:

• thicker egg whites
• firmer yolks
• stronger shells
• better texture when cooking

Brown Basket's eggs come from Lohmann Brown hens, a breed known for producing eggs with strong shells and rich yolks. When the eggs reach customers soon after collection, these natural qualities are easier to notice.

If you're looking for fresh brown eggs for your family, you can explore our 6-piece, 12-piece, or 30-piece packs, depending on your household's needs.

Common Questions About Egg Freshness

How do you check egg freshness?

The easiest method is the egg water test. A fresh egg sinks, while an old egg floats.

Can you eat an egg that stands upright in water?

Yes. It isn't as fresh as a newly laid egg, but it's generally still safe to eat if it smells normal after cracking.

Does a floating egg always mean it's bad?

A floating egg usually indicates that it has become old because of the larger air pocket inside. It's safest not to consume it.

Should you wash eggs before storing them?

It's usually better to keep eggs dry until you're ready to use them. Washing them before storage can remove the shell's natural protective layer and may shorten their shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to tell if an egg is fresh doesn't require any special tools. A simple bowl of water, a quick smell test, and a look at the egg after cracking are usually enough to tell you whether it's still good to use.

Fresh eggs not only taste better, but they also perform better in everyday cooking. Whether you're making breakfast for the family or baking a cake, starting with fresh eggs makes a noticeable difference.

For that reason, it's always worth buying eggs from a source that values freshness from the farm all the way to your kitchen.