After a long day at work, you come home to find only a carton of eggs in your fridge. But are they still good to eat? How can you tell if eggs are bad?

The simplest way is to crack one open and give it a sniff. If it smells like sulfur, it's time to toss it out. But let's delve deeper into the topic.

Understanding "Bad" Eggs

Not all old eggs are unsafe to eat, but a rotten egg contaminated with bacteria will emit a foul odor. Consuming a rotten egg may lead to mild digestive issues. On the other hand, a salmonella-infected egg, although rare, can cause serious illness when consumed raw.

Signs of a Bad Egg After Cracking It:

1. Unpleasant odor: A sulfuric smell indicates spoilage.

2. Watery consistency or discoloration: Runny whites or abnormal colors should raise concern.

Checking Eggs Before Cracking:

Consider the float test to determine freshness. Submerge an egg in water; if it floats, it's not fresh. However, the float test is not a foolproof method for ensuring egg safety.

Can You Eat Expired Eggs?

While expiration dates can guide you, checking for spoilage is more crucial. Properly stored eggs can last up to four to five weeks beyond the pack date.

Best Practices for Storing Eggs

Refrigerate eggs at 40°F and store them in their original carton. Avoid keeping eggs in the fridge door. If you raise chickens, follow specific guidelines for storing their eggs based on their source.

For more egg-related recipes and tips, explore our collection of delicious egg dishes.