Are Eggs Bad If They Float Or Sink

When you're cooking eggs, it's important to check their freshness before you start. One way to do this is to place them in a bowl of water. If they sink to the bottom, they're fresh. If they float, they're not as fresh, but they may still be okay to eat.

So, why do eggs float or sink? It has to do with the air cell inside the egg. As an egg ages, the air cell gets larger. This is because the egg's shell is porous, and air can pass through it. As the air cell gets larger, the egg becomes less dense. This means that it will float in water.

So, if an egg floats, does that mean it's bad? Not necessarily. A floating egg may still be okay to eat, but it's not as fresh as an egg that sinks to the bottom. If you're not sure whether a floating egg is still good, you can crack it open and check the yolk. If the yolk is firm and round, the egg is still good to eat. However, if the yolk is runny or flat, the egg is no longer good.

Here are some additional tips for checking the freshness of eggs:

Look for cracks or dents in the shell. If the shell is damaged, the egg may be contaminated with bacteria.
Smell the egg. If the egg has a sour or sulfurous smell, it is no longer good.
Cook the egg thoroughly. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you're eating fresh, safe eggs.

Additional Information

In addition to the float test, there are a few other ways to check the freshness of eggs.

Candling: This involves holding the egg up to a light source and looking for any dark spots or cracks in the shell.
Shaking: Gently shake the egg. If you hear a sloshing sound, the egg is old.
Spinning: Spin the egg on a flat surface. If it spins for a long time, the egg is old.

If you're not sure whether an egg is still good, it's always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.