How to Check Egg Freshness: Nana’s Simple and Time-Tested Trick

In today’s world of pre-packaged foods, it’s easy to overlook the importance of freshness, especially when it comes to everyday staples like eggs. Eggs are a key ingredient in many dishes, but using a bad egg can ruin a meal—or worse, cause food poisoning.

As more people embrace home cooking and traditional food safety methods, simple techniques for testing egg freshness are gaining popularity. One such method, passed down through generations, is Nana’s water test—a quick and reliable way to ensure you’re using only the freshest eggs.

Why Fresh Eggs Matter

Fresh eggs aren’t just about taste—they impact texture, nutrition, and food safety. Whether you’re baking, frying, or boiling, fresh eggs provide better structure and flavor. On the other hand, consuming old or spoiled eggs can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses like salmonella. That’s why knowing how to check egg freshness is essential for both your health and culinary success.

Nana’s Foolproof Egg Freshness Test

The best part about Nana’s method? You don’t need any fancy tools—just a bowl of water. Here’s how it works:

Step-by-Step Guide to the Water Test

1️⃣ Fill a bowl with cold water, deep enough to fully submerge an egg.
2️⃣ Place the egg gently into the water.
3️⃣ Observe the egg’s position:

• Fresh Egg: Sinks and lays flat on its side—safe to use.
• Older Egg: Stands upright but remains submerged—still good but should be used soon.
• Bad Egg: Floats to the top—discard immediately.

Why This Works: Over time, eggs lose moisture and develop a larger air pocket, making them more buoyant. That’s why older eggs start to float!

Other Ways to Test Egg Freshness

While Nana’s water test is the easiest, here are a few other methods:

✅ Candling: Shine a light through the egg to check for internal changes.
✅ Crack Test: A fresh egg has a firm yolk and thick whites. A watery egg is old.
✅ Shake Test: Shake the egg close to your ear—if it sloshes, it’s past its prime.

However, Nana’s water test remains the simplest and most accessible for everyday use.

Common Egg Freshness Myths Debunked

❌ Cloudy whites mean the egg is bad – Nope! Fresh eggs naturally have cloudy whites due to carbon dioxide.
❌ All eggs with spots are rotten – Not true! Blood spots are harmless and occur in very fresh eggs.
❌ A cracked egg must always be thrown away – If properly stored, a minor crack doesn’t always mean spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do eggs stay fresh? Properly refrigerated eggs last 3-5 weeks.
Can I use eggs past the expiration date? If they pass the float test, they’re likely still safe.
Should eggs be refrigerated? Yes! Refrigeration extends shelf life and prevents bacteria growth.
What should I do with eggs that float? Throw them away—they’re no longer safe to eat.

Final Thoughts: Trust Nana’s Timeless Trick

With just a bowl of water, you can confidently check the freshness of your eggs. Whether you’re baking a cake or making breakfast, this simple test ensures your eggs are safe, fresh, and delicious. So next time you’re in doubt, trust Nana’s method—because sometimes, the best solutions are the ones passed down through generations.