The health benefits of eating eggs are extensive. Eggs are good for you since they are full of healthy elements like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eggs, whether scrambled, poached, or used in baking, are a delicious and risk-free addition to any diet because of their adaptability and nutritional value. However, when purchasing eggs, it is extremely important to verify their safety and freshness to prevent any potential health risks. To check their freshness, observe the shell's appearance and touch—look for clean, uncracked shells, and avoid eggs with off odors or sliminess. Use only fresh eggs with unbroken shells from reliable sources and refrigerate immediately after purchase. To avoid becoming sick from eating raw eggs, substitute pasteurised ones in your cooking. Additionally, floating an egg in a bowl of water indicates its age, here’s how to check.
Freshness Test
The freshness of an egg can be easily determined by letting it float in a bowl of water. Eggs lose density because the air cell inside the shell expands as they age. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom of a bowl of water and lie on its side. When the air cell grows larger, the egg begins to tilt to one side and settle to the bottom of the bowl. Older eggs, with their expanded air space, rise to the surface as they age. This simple tip assures the highest quality in culinary creations by allowing people to test the freshness of their eggs before using them.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate eggs as soon as possible, keeping them in their original carton and putting them in the refrigerator's main compartment rather than the door so that they stay at a constant temperature.
Avoid storing them near strong-smelling items, such as onions or garlic, as eggs can absorb these odours.
The water in raw eggs can expand when frozen, cracking the shell, therefore it's best not to put them in the freezer.
If you want the most flavour and freshness from your eggs, eat them before the expiration date.
It's best not to wash eggs before storing them, as doing so will destroy the protective covering (bloom) on the shell that aids in keeping the eggs fresh.
Keep the pointy end down when storing eggs. This can aid in keeping the yolk fresh by keeping it in its centre and out of contact with air cells.
Uncooked eggs can maintain their quality and safety for a longer period of time if stored in the recommended manner.