Eggs are a staple in many households, cherished for their versatility and nutritional value. However, determining their freshness can sometimes be a challenge. Fresh eggs are essential not only for taste but also for safety. Consuming a bad egg can lead to foodborne illnesses, which is why it’s crucial to know how to assess their freshness quickly and effectively. My nana always used a simple trick that takes almost no time at all, and it’s surprisingly effective.

Fresh eggs are not only more flavorful, but they also have better texture and nutritional content. As eggs age, the quality of the egg white and yolk deteriorates, affecting the outcome of your dishes. Moreover, older eggs are more susceptible to bacterial contamination, which can pose health risks. Ensuring that your eggs are fresh helps maintain the quality of your meals and protects you from potential foodborne illnesses.

There are several traditional methods people use to check the freshness of eggs. One common method is the ‘candling’ technique, where you hold an egg up to a light source to observe the air cell size. Another method involves cracking the egg open to inspect the yolk and egg white; fresh eggs have a firm yolk and thick whites. However, these methods can be time-consuming or require breaking the egg, which isn’t ideal if you want to keep it intact.