It is easy to tell when a bowl of dal or a basket of fruits goes bad - you will get a foul odour, or find molds on the food, making it look and feel unappetizing. But how do you determine if the eggs you are eating are fresh? Sounds surprising? For the longest time, people thought eggs don't go stale, and hence they bought them in dozens whenever needed. But in reality, it is exactly the opposite: eggs too have a shelf-life and go bad if kept for long. If you are someone storing eggs in your pantry for months, then stay back and go through the entire article. Here, we will explain how eggs go bad and show you some fool-proof ways to find out if they are good to be cooked. Read on.
Also Read: Busted! 5 Myths About Eggs You Should Stop Believing Now
Why Eggs Go Stale? How Long Do Eggs Stay Fresh For Consumption:
'Eggs going bad' is not something you have heard very commonly, but unfortunately, they do! Eggs store various essential nutrients, which over time, lose their potency. This condition makes it a favourable ground for the growth of microorganisms, including E. Coli, turning eggs hazardous for health. Hence, it is suggested to buy eggs in smaller batches and store them properly to avoid any kind of contamination.
While some eggs come in cartons with expiry dates written on them, some are sold loose, which needs proper storage. According to food experts, you can keep eggs for seven to eight days at room temperature (but in a cool dry place). And if refrigerated well, these eggs can have a shelf-life of up to 45 days. Moreover, eggs can be kept fresh for around six months in the freezer.
What Happens When You Eat A Rotten Egg By Mistake:
As mentioned, people often miss separating bad eggs from good ones. As a result, they end up eating both, leading to various health hazards. The microorganisms growing on a rotten egg increase the risks of foodborne illnesses, including diarrhoea, food poisoning, and stomach issues, amongst others. If it goes severe, it might need hospitalization as well.
Also Read: Why Wear A Rolex When You Can Eat It? A Tasty New Recipe To Try!
Photo Credit: iStock
How To Find If The Eggs Are Fresh: 4 Simple Tests To Spot Rotten Eggs:
Now let's take our safety measures a step ahead and show you how to test the eggs at home or in a store to determine their quality.
Method 1: The Float Test:
This simple test helps you find out how fresh the eggs are. Take a container filled with water and carefully place an egg in it. If you see it getting submerged, then understand the egg is good to go. If the egg lies on the surface of the container in a vertical position, then it has gone slightly older; and if the egg floats up, discard it immediately.
Method 2: The Spot Test:
For this, you need to crack open a raw egg. If you find red spotting on the yolk or any kind of discolouration, then understand that you have to toss it right now, as the discolouration generally happens due to a chemical reaction in an egg.
Method 3: The Sniff Test:
Do not ignore your smelling power in this case. If the cracked eggs don't have a neutral odour or you get a strong sulfurous smell, then it's time to throw them off.
Method 4: The Hearing Test:
Take a raw egg close to your ears and shake well. If you get to hear something liquid-y swooshing around, then the egg has gone bad.
Method 5: The Sight Test:
We always believe that food tastes the best when it looks appealing. After cracking open a raw egg, if you find any kind of abnormality in the texture, then understand that it might be a sign of mold. Or, if the yolk is completely flattened, then the egg has already turned bad.
Now that you have discarded the rotten ones, take a fresh egg or two and make yourself a delicious meal. Click here for some of our favourite egg-based recipes.
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.