Got some eggs in the fridge and not sure if they’re still edible? Find out in just a few minutes how to understand if they are fresh and what to do if they are expired.
Eggs are among the most versatile and used foods, but also the most delicate. Understanding whether they are still fresh can be essential, both for food safety and to avoid waste. The expiry date is not always clearly visible, especially if you bought them loose or lost the packaging. Here you will find all the methods to recognize the freshness of eggs and how to reuse them even if they are no longer suitable for consumption.
Practical tests to evaluate the freshness of eggs
When it comes to eggs, freshness is key to ensuring they are safe and good to eat. Eggs can usually be consumed up to 28 days after being laid, although it is better to consume them within 15-20 days for optimal quality. Eggs bought at the supermarket often have an expiration date and, in some cases, a laying date, but if this information is not available or no longer legible, you can do some practical tests.
The water method is among the most popular and reliable: fill a bowl with cold water and add 10% salt. Dip the egg and see what happens. If the egg sinks all the way to the bottom, it is fresh; if it floats, it means it’s no longer good. Alternatively, if the egg remains suspended halfway, it can only be used after thorough cooking. This test works thanks to the structure of the shell, which allows the passage of air over time. Fresh eggs have little air inside, while older ones accumulate more, making them buoyant.
Other methods for recognizing fresh eggs
In addition to the water test, there are other methods that can help you determine the freshness of your eggs:
Inner tube check:
This method requires a strong light source, such as a lamp. Hold the egg up to the light and observe the shadow inside the shell. If you notice a small air chamber and the shadow spreads across much of the egg, it is likely fresh. Conversely, a large airlock is indicative of an older egg, which may be unsafe to eat.
Yolk mobility:
Another trick to tell if the egg is still fresh is to shake it slightly. If the yolk moves inside, it could be a sign that the egg is old and the egg white has lost density. However, when you don’t feel any movement, it means that the egg white is still dense and the egg is fresh. This type of egg can be consumed without risk.
How to reuse expired eggs
Expired eggs don’t necessarily have to be thrown away, in fact they can be used in many different ways that don’t involve cooking. Here are some creative ideas for reusing eggs:
- DIY cosmetics: the yolk can become a natural ingredient for beauty masks. Simply apply it to your face or hair and leave on for 15-20 minutes to achieve softer skin and more nourished hair.
- Natural gardening: eggshells are great for the garden. Once crumbled and distributed around the plants, they keep snails away, acting as a natural barrier without the use of pesticides.
- Organic fertilizer: blend eggshells together with coffee grounds, banana peels and a little water to create an ideal fertilizer to add to your plant soil. Rich in minerals, it helps keep the soil nutritious.
Other alternative uses for egg white
Egg white can also be useful in various domestic contexts, offering solutions to small inconveniences:
If you happen to be dealing with mild sunburns, whipping the lager and applying it to the skin can provide relief thanks to its soothing properties. It can also be used to relieve itching caused by insect bites by applying it as a thick layer and letting it sit.
Reducing waste is an important objective, and even eggs no longer suitable for direct consumption can prove useful.
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