Is An Egg Bad If It Floats

Eggs are a staple food in most parts of the world and are often consumed for breakfast. Eggs are a great source of protein and are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. However, when it comes to storing eggs, there are always questions about how fresh they are and whether they are safe to consume. One of the common questions that people have is whether an egg is bad if it floats. In this article, we will find out the answer to this question and clear up any doubts you may have about whether it is safe to consume a floating egg.

What Makes an Egg Float?

Before we get into whether a floating egg is safe to consume, let’s first understand why an egg floats in the first place. An egg is made up of two parts – the yolk and the egg white. The yolk is the yellow portion while the egg white is the clear liquid. When an egg is laid, it has a coating that helps keep air and bacteria out. However, over time, the eggshell becomes porous, allowing air to pass through. As an egg ages, it loses moisture and carbon dioxide from the egg white, creating a small air cell inside the egg. This air cell is what makes the egg float.

Is a Floating Egg Safe to Consume?

Now, let’s address the big question – is a floating egg safe to consume? The answer is that it depends on how long the egg has been floating. A freshly laid egg, or an egg that has just been laid within the past few days, will sink to the bottom of a bowl of water and lay on its side. This is because the air cell inside the egg is very small, and its density is similar to that of water.

However, as the egg gets older, the air cell grows bigger, and the egg will start to stand upright on the bottom of the bowl. An egg that has been around for about 7-10 days will have an air cell that is about 1/8-inch thick and will stand upright on the bottom. This egg is still safe to consume but should be used promptly.

As an egg continues to age, the air cell will grow even larger, making the egg tilt upward or stand at an angle at the bottom of the bowl. If the egg is around two to three weeks old and is floating at the top of the water, it is no longer fresh and should not be consumed.

How to Test an Egg for Freshness

If you are unsure about how fresh an egg is, there is a simple test you can do to determine its freshness. All you need to do is place the egg in a bowl of water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays on its side, it is still fresh. If the egg stands upright on the bottom or floats to the top, it is no longer fresh and should not be consumed.

The Importance of Proper Egg Storage

Storing eggs properly is essential to ensure that they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to store eggs properly:

• Store eggs in their carton in the main body of the fridge, not on the door where the temperature fluctuates too much.
• Eggs should be kept below 40°F (4°C).
• Do not store eggs near strong-smelling foods as the eggs can absorb the odors.
• It is best to leave the eggs uncleaned, as they have a natural coating that helps to keep out harmful bacteria.

FAQs

Q1: Can I still use an egg that is floating at the top of the water?

A: No, if an egg is floating, it should not be consumed as it is no longer fresh.

Q2: Can I eat an egg that stands upright on the bottom of the bowl?

A: Yes, an egg that stands upright on the bottom of the bowl is still safe for consumption but should be used promptly.

Q3: How long can I keep fresh eggs in the fridge?

A: Fresh eggs can be kept in the fridge for up to four or five weeks.

Q4: What is the best way to store eggs to keep them fresh?

A: The best way to store eggs is to keep them in their carton in the main body of the fridge, below 40°F (4°C), away from strong-smelling foods.

Q5: Do I need to wash eggs before storing them in the fridge?

A: No, it is best to leave the eggs uncleaned as they have a natural coating that helps to keep out harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a floating egg is not necessarily bad, but it depends on how long it has been floating. Freshly laid eggs will sink in water, while older eggs will start to stand upright or float to the surface. Eggs that stand upright on the bottom of the bowl are still safe to consume but should be used promptly. However, eggs that float to the top of the water are no longer fresh and should not be consumed.

Storing eggs properly is crucial to ensure that they stay fresh and safe to eat. Eggs should be stored in their carton in the main body of the fridge, below 40°F (4°C), away from strong-smelling foods. It is also important to check the freshness of eggs regularly and discard any eggs that are no longer fresh.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• A floating egg is not necessarily bad, it depends on how long it has been floating.
• Freshly laid eggs will sink in water, while older eggs will start to stand upright or float to the surface.
• Eggs that stand upright on the bottom of the bowl are still safe to consume but should be used promptly.
• Eggs that float to the top of the water are no longer fresh and should not be consumed.
• Proper egg storage is essential to ensure that eggs stay fresh and safe to eat.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the eggs you consume are not only delicious but also fresh and safe.