Hen's Eggs
(Freshness Test)

Freshness Test

When purchasing eggs, you want to look for the freshest eggs available. There are three tests you can utilize to determine their freshness: 

1. The Weight Test: In the supermarket, before you purchase your eggs, put one in your hand and try to see how heavy it is. The heavier the egg, the fresher it is. 

2. The Light Test: Hold your egg up to a light and look for a little air pocket. The air pocket starts to grow as the egg gets older. The fresher the egg the smaller the little air pocket. 

3. The Bowl Test: You cannot do this test at the supermarket; however, you can do it at home. Take a bowl, fill it with water and place the egg in the water. If the egg lays flat, it is very fresh. If it is a week old, it could start to tilt up. If over three weeks old, it could start to float. If it comes to the top of the surface, discard that egg as it is no longer of use.

Egg Freshness: (Influencing Factors) 

1. How recently an egg was laid 

2. Temperatures at which eggs are held - Ideal temperatures < 40°F 

3. Humidity - Ideal humidity 70% - 80% 

4. Handling 

5. Ideal 

6. Most commercially produced eggs reach supermarkets within a few days of leaving the laying house 

7. Egg freshness CANNOT be measured by placing it in salt water 

8. As eggs age, appearance is about all that is affected; nutritional value and cooking properties remain relatively unaffected 

Carton date:

1. Egg cartons from USDA-inspected plants display date packed 

2. May contain expiration dates, usually < 31 days after the date packed