“Are These Eggs Still Good?” A Common Kitchen Debate That Might Surprise You

We’ve all been there — staring at a carton of eggs that’s been sitting in the fridge a little too long, wondering: “Are these still good?” While tossing them might seem like the safest choice, you’d be surprised at how long eggs actually stay fresh — and how easy it is to check.

Let’s crack open the truth and settle this age-old kitchen debate once and for all.

🥚 How Long Do Eggs Really Last?

Contrary to popular belief, eggs have a longer shelf life than most people think — especially when stored properly. According to the USDA:

• Fresh eggs in their shell can last 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge after the “sell-by” or packing date.
• Hard-boiled eggs last 1 week when refrigerated.
• Raw eggs (beaten): up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Frozen eggs (raw, beaten): up to 1 year (but not recommended to freeze in-shell eggs).

🧠 Fun Fact: In Europe, eggs are often stored at room temperature due to different farming and sanitation standards. But in the U.S., eggs are washed and must be refrigerated.

✅ The Float Test: The Ultimate Egg Freshness Hack

Forget the date printed on the carton. Here’s a simple test you can do at home with just a bowl of water:

1. Fill a bowl or glass with cold water.
2. Gently drop the egg into the water.

Results:

• Sinks and lies flat: Perfectly fresh!
• Sinks but stands upright: Still good, but use soon.
• Floats to the top: Spoiled — toss it.

🧪 Why it works: As eggs age, the liquid inside evaporates, and air fills the shell, making it more buoyant. So floating means the egg has gone bad.

👃 Smell and Sight: Your Natural Detectors

If you’re still unsure after the float test, crack the egg into a bowl and use your senses:

• Smell: Rotten eggs smell unmistakably foul. If it stinks, it’s out.
• Look: A fresh egg has a firm, bright yellow yolk and thick whites. If it’s watery, discolored, or cloudy — be cautious.

🧊 Best Practices for Egg Storage

Want to maximize the lifespan of your eggs? Here’s how:

• Keep eggs in the original carton – It protects them and prevents odors from the fridge being absorbed.
• Store in the coldest part of the fridge, not the door (which fluctuates in temperature).
• Label with the purchase date so you know how long you’ve had them.
• Don’t wash them before storage. Washing removes the natural protective layer on the shell.

🍳 Can You Eat Eggs Past the Expiration Date?

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