Eggs are an affordable, convenient, and nutrient-rich food that can be part of a healthy and balanced diet for people of all ages. They are excellent sources of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids required by the body. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting muscle health.
Eggs can be prepared and incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, including breakfast classics like omelettes and scrambled eggs, baked goods like cakes and muffins, and savoy dishes like egg curries and roasts.
Spoiled eggs can pose health risks if consumed, so it's essential to recognize signs of spoilage and discard any eggs that show them. Consuming spoiled eggs can lead to food poisoning and other health issues.
To test if an egg is fresh, you can try these methods:
Visual inspection: Examine the shell. Fresh eggs typically have clean, uncracked shells. Avoid eggs with cracks, as they may be contaminated.
Float test: Fill a bowl or glass with water and gently place the egg inside. Fresh eggs will sink and lay flat on the bottom. If the egg stands upright or floats, it's likely older and less fresh. The reason is that as eggs age, the air cell inside expands, causing them to become more buoyant.
Candling: This involves shining a bright light behind the egg in a dark room. A fresh egg will have a clear, well-defined air cell and a bright yolk. If the air cell is large and the yolk appears dim or flattened, the egg is likely older.
Crack and observe: Crack the egg onto a clean surface. Fresh eggs have a thick, viscous egg white that holds its shape and a round, raised yolk. The egg white should not spread out much. If the egg white is watery and the yolk is flat, it may be older.
These methods can help you determine the freshness of an egg and ensure you're using the best-quality eggs in your cooking.