How to tell if easter eggs are good or bad? Four simple ways to know it

You decorated the eggs, you hid them, then they were found in the Easter egg hunt. Now, it’s time to eat them. Before you do crack them open, take a moment to check if they are still perfectly edible.

Some people do not cook their eggs before painting them for Easter to avoid the unsightly cracks that sometimes result from boiling them. After the celebrations, those eggs can still be put to good use, as long they are still in good condition. You might want to check if all that time they have spent out of the refrigerator has affected their freshness.

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How can you tell if Easter eggs are good or bad?

In general, you can check if an egg is bad by conducting a few simple tests.

Visual inspection

Look at the eggshell. If there are any cracks, leaks, or if it feels slimy, it may indicate that the egg has gone bad. This could be evidence that it has been contaminated by bacteria or mold.

Smell the egg

You should also inspect the egg for any unusual odors, such as a sulfur or rotten smell. A good egg should have a neutral smell.

READ ALSO: Why do we hide eggs at Easter?

Float test

Fill a bowl or glass with water and gently place the egg into the water. A fresh egg will sink and lay flat on the bottom of the container. If the egg stands upright on one end or floats, it may be bad. The floating indicates that gas has formed inside the eggshell, which is a sign of spoilage.

Shake test

Hold the egg close to your ear and gently shake it. A fresh egg will not make much noise when shaken. If you hear sloshing or detect a swishing sound, it may indicate that the contents of the egg have deteriorated.

If you suspect that an egg may already be bad, it’s best to err on the side of caution and toss it to avoid the risk of food-borne illness. You wouldn’t want to spoil your Easter celebrations with a tummy ache now, would you?